I 


SAN  DIEGO 


] 


*•*«• 

«*v 

V 


THE  WORLD'S 
GREAT  CLASSICS 


•  LIBRARY- 
COMMITTEE 


TIMOTHY  DWIGHT,  D.D.  LLD. 
RICHARD  HENRYSTODDARD 
ARTHVR  RICHMOND  MARSH,  AB. 
PAVLVAN  DYKE.D.D. 
JVLIAN  HAWTHORNE 


•  I LLV5TRATED  •  WITH  •  NE ARLY  TWO- 
•HVNDRED-PHOTOCRAVVIiES  •  ETCH" 

INGS  COLORED -PLATES -AND- FVLL- 

•  PAGE-  PORTRAIT5-OF-GREAT-AVTHORS  • 

CLARENCE  COOK  •  ART  EDITOR. 


^ 


•TH  E- COLONIAL- PRESS 

NEW-YORK        ,  MDCCCXC1X 


A  UUOQUX ' 


ENTAL-LI 


THE 

MATURE  OF  IA 

THE  PUBLIC  SCRIBE. 

Photogravure  from  a  painting  by  F.  M.  Brtdt. 

The  scribe  of  Biblical  times  still  flourishes  in  the  East.  Even  in  the  higher 
walks  of  life  the  ability  to  write  accurately  is  lamentably  wanting.  In  this  illustra- 
tion we  see  the  wealthy  and  poor  alike  waiting  their  turn  for  the  scribe's  attention, 
which  shows  too  well  the  prevalence  of  illiteracy  amongst  all  classes. 

1  il 


loocecooocxxxxjootnauoooooooootjcxaoooc 


IORIENTAL  LITERATURE 


*w\ 


THE 

LITERATURE  OF  PERSIA 


WITH   A   SPECIAL   INTRODUCTION    BY 

RICHARD   J.  H.  GOTTHEIL,  PH.D. 


PROFESSOR   OF   RABBINICAL   LITERATURE   AND  THE    SEMITIC 
LANGUAGES  AT  COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY 


REVISED   EDITION 


COPYRIGHT,  1900, 
BY  THE  COLONIAL  PRESS. 


SPECIAL  INTRODUCTION 

A  CERTAIN  amount  of  romantic  interest  has  always  at- 
tached to  Persia.  With  a  continuous  history  stretch- 
•  ing  back  into  those  dawn-days  of  history  in  which 
fancy  loves  to  play,  the  mention  of  its  name  brings  to  our  minds 
the  vision  of  things  beautiful  and  artistic,  the  memory  of  great 
deeds  and  days  of  chivalry.  We  seem  almost  to  smell  the 
fragrance  of  the  rose-gardens  of  Tus  and  of  Shiraz,  and  to  hear 
the  knight-errants  tell  of  war  and  of  love.  There  are  other 
Oriental  civilizations,  whose  coming  and  going  have  not  been 
in  vain  for  the  world ;  they  have  done  their  little  bit  of  appor- 
tioned work  in  the  universe,  and  have  done  it  well.  India  and 
Arabia  have  had  their  great  poets  and  their  great  heroes,  yet 
they  have  remained  well-nigh  unknown  to  the  men  and  women 
of  our  latter  day,  even  to  those  whose  world  is  that  of  letters. 
But  the  names  of  Firdusi,  Sa'di,  Omar  Khayyam,  Jami,  and 
Hafiz,  have  a  place  in  our  own  temples  of  fame.  They  have 
won  their  way  into  the  book-stalls  and  stand  upon  our  shelves, 
side  by  side  with  the  other  books  which  mould  our  life  and 
shape  our  character. 

Some  reason  there  must  be  for  the  special  favor  which  we 
show  to  these  products  of  Persian  genius,  and  to  the  hold 
which  they  have  upon  us.  We  need  not  go  far  to  find  it.  The 
under-current  forces,  which  determine  our  own  civilization  of 
to-day,  are  in  a  general  way  the  same  forces  which  were  at  play 
during  the  heyday  of  Persian  literary  production.  We  owe 
to  the  Hellenic  spirit,  which  at  various  times  has  found  its  way 
into  our  midst,  our  love  for  the  beautiful  in  art  and  in  litera- 
ture. We  owe  to  the  Semitic,  which  has  been  inbreathed  into 
us  by  religious  forms  and  beliefs,  the  tone  of  our  better  life, 
the  moral  level  to  which  we  aspire.  The  same  two  forces  were 
at  work  in  Persia.  Even  while  that  country  was  purely  Iranian, 
it  was  always  open  to  Semitic  influences.  The  welding  together 


iv  LITERATURE   OF   PERSIA 

of  the  two  civilizations  is  the  true  signature  of  Persian  history. 
The  likeness  which  is  so  evident  between  the  religion  of  the 
Avesta,  the  sacred  book  of  the  pre-Mohammedan  Persians, 
and  the  religion  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments,  makes  it  in 
a  sense  easy  for  us  to  understand  these  followers  of  Zoroaster. 
Persian  poetry,  with  its  love  of  life  and  this-worldliness,  with 
its  wealth  of  imagery  and  its  appeal  to  that  which  is  human  in 
all  men,  is  much  more  readily  comprehended  of  us  than  is  the 
poetry  of  all  the  rest  of  the  Orient.  And,  therefore,  Goethe, 
Platen,  Ruckert,  von  Schack,  Fitzgerald,  and  Arnold,  have 
been  able  to  re-sing  their  masterpieces  so  as  to  delight  and 
instruct  our  own  days; — of  which  thing  neither  India  nor 
Arabia  can  boast. 

Tales  of  chivalry  have  always  delighted  the  Persian  ear.  A 
certain  inherent  gayety  of  heart,  a  philosophy  which  was  not 
so  sternly  vigorous  as  was  that  of  the  Semite,  lent  color  to  his 
imagination.  It  guided  the  hands  of  the  skilful  workmen  in 
the  palaces  of  Susa  and  Persepolis,  and  fixed  the  brightly 
colored  tiles  upon  their  walls.  It  led  the  deftly  working 
fingers  of  their  scribes  and  painters  to  so  gorgeously  illumi- 
nate their  manuscripts  as  to  strike  us  with  wonder  at  the 
assemblage  of  hues  and  the  boldness  of  designs.  Their  Zo- 
roaster was  never  deified.  They  could  think  of  his  own  doings 
and  of  the  deeds  of  the  mighty  men  of  valor  who  lived  before 
and  after  him  with  very  little  to  hinder  the  free  play  of  their 
fancy.  And  so  this  fancy  roamed  up  and  down  the  whole 
course  of  Persian  history :  taking  a  long  look  into  the  vista  of 
the  past,  trying  even  to  lift  the  veil  which  hides  from  mortal 
sight  the  beginnings  of  all  things;  intertwining  fact  with  fic- 
tion, building  its  mansions  on  earth,  and  its  castles  in  the  air. 

The  greatest  of  all  Eastern  national  epics  is  the  work  of  a 
Persian.  The  "  Shah  Nameh,"  or  Book  of  Kings,  may  take  its 
place  most  worthily  by  the  side  of  the  Indian  Nala,  the  Hom- 
eric Iliad,  the  German  Niebelungen.  Its  plan  is  laid  out  on  a 
scale  worthy  of  its  contents,  and  its  execution  is  equally  worthy 
of  its  planning.  One  might  almost  say  that  with  it  neo-Per- 
sian  literature  begins  its  history.  There  were  poets  in  Persia 
before  the  writer  of  the  "  Shah  Nameh  " — Rudagi  the  blind 
(died  954),  Zandshi  (950),  Chusravani  (tenth  century).  There 
were  great  poets  during  his  own  day. — But  Firdusi  ranks  far 
above  them  all ;  and  at  the  very  beginning  sets  up  so  high  a 


SPECIAL  INTRODUCTION  v 

standard  that  all  who  come  after  him  must  try  to  live  up  to  it, 
or  else  they  will  sink  into  oblivion. 

The  times  in  which  Firdusi  lived  were  marked  by  strange 
revolutions.  The  Arabs,  filled  with  the  daring  which  Mo- 
hammed had  breathed  into  them,  had  indeed  conquered  Per- 
sia. In  A.D.  657,  when  Merv  fell,  and  the  last  Sassanian  king, 
Yezdegird  III,  met  his  end,  these  Arabs  became  nominally 
supreme.  Persia  had  been  conquered — but  not  the  Persian 
spirit.  Even  though  Turkish  speech  reigned  supreme  at  court 
and  the  Arabic  script  became  universal,  the  temper  of  the  old 
Arsacides  and  Sassanians  still  lived  on.  It  is  true  that  Or- 
muzd  was  replaced  by  Allah,  and  Ahriman  by  Satan.  But  the 
Persian  had  a  glorious  past  of  his  own ;  and  in  this,  the  con- 
quered was  far  above  the  conqueror.  This  past  was  kept  alive 
in  the  myth-loving  mind  of  this  Aryan  people ;  in  the  songs  of 
its  poets  and  in  the  lays  of  its  minstrels.  In  this  way  there 
was,  in  a  measure,  a  continuous  opposition  of  Persian  to  Arab, 
despite  the  mingling  of  the  two  in  Islam  ;  and  the  opposition  of 
Persian  Shiites  to  the  Sunnites  of  the  rest  of  the  Moham- 
medan world  at  this  very  day  is  a  curious  survival  of  racial 
antipathy.  The  fall  of  the  only  real  Arab  Mohammedan 
dynasty — that  of  the  Umayyid  caliphs  at  Damascus — the  rise 
of  the  separate  and  often  opposing  dynasties  in  Spain,  Sicily, 
Egypt,  and  Tunis,  served  to  strengthen  the  Persians  in  their 
desire  to  keep  alive  their  historical  individuality  and  their  an- 
cient traditions. 

Firdusi  was  not  the  first,  as  he  was  not  the  only  one,  to 
collect  the  old  epic  materials  of  Persia.  In  the  Avesta  itself, 
with  its  ancient  traditions,  much  can  be  found. — More  than  this 
was  handed  down  and  bandied  about  from  mouth  to  mouth. 
Some  of  it  had  even  found  its  way  into  the  Kalam  of  the 
Scribe ;  to-wit,  the  "  Zarer,  or  Memorials  of  the  Warriors"  (A.D. 
500),  the  "  History  of  King  Ardeshir  "  (A.D.  600),  the  Chron- 
icles of  the  Persian  Kings.  If  we  are  to  trust  Baisonghur's 
preface  to  the  "  Shah  Nameh,"  there  were  various  efforts  made 
from  time  to  time  to  put  together  a  complete  story  of  the  na- 
tion's history;  by  Farruchani,  Ramin,  and  especially  by  the 
Dihkan  Danishwar  (A.D.  651).  The  work  of  this  Danishwar, 
the  "  Chodainameh  "  (Book  of  Kings),  deserves  to  be  specially 
singled  out.  It  was  written,  not  in  neo-Persian  and  Arabic 
script,  but  in  what  scholars  call  middle-Persian  and  in  what  is 


vi  LITERATURE  OF  PERSIA 

known  as  the  Pahlavi  writing.  It  was  from  this  "  Chodaina- 
meh  "  that  Abu  Mansur,  lord  of  Tus,  had  a  "  Shah  Nameh  "  of 
his  own  prepared  in  the  neo-Persian.  And  then,  to  complete 
the  tale,  in  980  a  certain  Zoroastrian  whose  name  was  Dakiki 
versified  a  thousand  lines  of  this  neo-Persian  Book  of  Kings. 

In  this  very  city  of  Tus,  Abul  Kasim  Mansur  (or  Ahmed) 
Firdusi  was  born,  A.D.  935.  One  loves  to  think  that  perhaps 
he  got  his  name  from  the  Persian-Arabic  word  for  garden ;  for, 
verily,  it  was  he  that  gathered  into  one  garden  all  the  beautiful 
flowers  which  had  blossomed  in  the  fancy  of  his  people.  As 
he  has  draped  the  figures  in  his  great  epic,  so  has  an  admiring 
posterity  draped  his  own  person.  His  fortune  has  been  inter- 
woven with  the  fame  of  that  Mahmud  of  Ghazna  (998-1030), 
the  first  to  bear  the  proud  title  of  "  Sultan,"  the  first  to  carry 
Mohammed  and  the  prophets  into  India.  The  Round  Table 
of  Mahmud  cannot  be  altogether  a  figment  of  the  imagination. 
With  such  poets  as  Farruchi,  Unsuri,  Minutsheri ;  with  such 
scientists  as  Biruni  and  Avicenna  as  intimates,  what  wonder 
that  Firdusi  was  lured  by  the  splendors  of  a  court  life !  But 
before  he  left  his  native  place  he  must  have  finished  his  epic,  at 
least  in  its  rough  form ;  for  we  know  that  in  999  he  dedicated 
it  to  Ahmad  ibn  Muhammad  of  Chalandsha.  He  had  been 
working  at  it  steadily  since  971,  but  had  not  yet  rounded  it  out 
according  to  the  standard  which  he  had  set  for  himself.  Oc- 
cupying the  position  almost  of  a  court  poet,  he  continued  to 
work  for  Mahmud,  and  this  son  of  a  Turkish  slave  became  a 
patron  of  letters.  On  February  25,  1010,  his  work  was 
finished.  As  poet  laureate,  he  had  inserted  many  a  verse  in 
praise  of  his  master.  Yet  the  story  goes,  that  though  this 
master  had  covenanted  for  a  gold  dirhem  a  line,  he  sent  Fir- 
dusi sixty  thousand  silver  ones,  which  the  poet  spurned  and 
distributed  as  largesses  and  hied  him  from  so  ungenerous  a 
master. 

It  is  a  pretty  tale.  Yet  some  great  disappointment  must 
have  been  his  lot,  for  a  lampoon  which  he  wrote  a  short  time 
afterwards  is  filled  with  the  bitterest  satire  upon  the  prince 
whose  praises  he  had  sung  so  beautifully.  Happily,  the  satire 
does  not  seem  to  have  gotten  under  the  eyes  of  Mahmud ;  it 
was  bought  off  by  a  friend,  for  one  thousand  dirhems  a  verse. 
But  Firdusi  was  a  wanderer ;  we  find  him  in  Herat,  in  Taber- 
istan,  and  then  at  the  Buyide  Court  of  Bagdad,  where  he  com- 


SPECIAL  INTRODUCTION  vii 

posed  his  "  Yusuf  and  Salikha,"  a  poem  as  Mohammedan  in 
spirit  as  the  "  Shah  Nameh  "  was  Persian.  In  1021, or  1025,  he 
returned  to  Tus  to  die,  and  to  be  buried  in  his  own  garden — be- 
cause his  mind  had  not  been  orthodox  enough  that  his  body 
should  rest  in  sacred  ground.  At  the  last  moment — the  story 
takes  up  again — Mahmud  repented  and  sent  the  poet  the  covet- 
ed gold.  The  gold  arrived  at  one  gate  while  Firdusi's  body 
was  being  carried  by  at  another ;  and  it  was  spent  by  his  daugh- 
ter in  the  building  of  a  hospice  near  the  city.  For  the  sake  of 
Mahmud  let  us  try  to  believe  the  tale. 

We  know  much  about  the  genesis  of  this  great  epic,  the 
"  Shah  Nameh  " ;  far  more  than  we  know  about  the  make-up  of 
the  other  great  epics  in  the  world's  literature.  Firdusi  worked 
from  written  materials;  but  he  produced  no  mere  labored 
mosaic.  Into  it  all  he  has  breathed  a  spirit  of  freshness  and 
vividness :  whether  it  be  the  romance  of  Alexander  the  Great 
and  the  exploits  of  Rustem,  or  the  love  scenes  of  Zal  and  Rod- 
hale,  of  Bezhan  and  Manezhe,  of  Gushtasp  and  Kitayim. 
That  he  was  also  an  excellent  lyric  poet,  Firdusi  shows  in 
the  beautiful  elegy  upon  the  death  of  his  only  son ;  a  curious 
intermingling  of  his  personal  woes  with  the  history  of  his 
heroes.  A  cheerful  vigor  runs  through  it  all.  He  praises 
the  delights  of  wine-drinking,  and  does  not  despise  the  com- 
forts which  money  can  procure.  In  his  descriptive  parts,  in 
his  scenes  of  battle  and  encounters,  he  is  not  often  led  into  the 
delirium  of  extravagance.  Sober-minded  and  free  of  all  fanat- 
icism, he  leans  not  too  much  to  Zoroaster  nor  to  Mohammed, 
though  his  desire  to  idealize  his  Iranian  heroes  leads  him  to 
excuse  their  faith  to  his  readers.  And  so  these  fifty  or  more 
thousand  verses,  written  in  the  Arabic  heroic  Mutakarib  metre, 
have  remained  the  delight  of  the  Persians  down  to  this  very 
day — when  the  glories  of  the  land  have  almost  altogether  de- 
parted and  Mahmud  himself  is  all  forgotten  of  his  descend- 
ants. 

Firdusi  introduces  us  to  the  greatness  of  Mahmud  of  Ghaz- 
na's  court.  Omar  Khayyam  takes  us  into  its  ruins;  for  one 
of  the  friends  of  his  boyhood  days  was  Nizam  al-Mulk,  the 
grandson  of  that  Toghrul  the  Turk,  who  with  his  Seljuks  had 
supplanted  the  Persian  power.  Omar's  other  friend  was  Ibn 
Sabbah,  the  "  old  Man  of  the  Mountain,"  the  founder  of  the 
Assassims.  The  doings  of  both  worked  misery  upon  Chris- 


viii  LITERATURE   OF   PERSIA 

tian  Europe,  and  entailed  a  tremendous  loss  of  life  during  the 
Crusades.  As  a  sweet  revenge,  that  same  Europe  has  taken 
the  first  of  the  trio  to  its  bosom,  and  has  made  of  Omar  Khay- 
yam a  household  friend.  "  My  tomb  shall  be  in  a  spot  where 
the  north  wind  may  scatter  roses  "  is  said  to  have  been  one  of 
Omar's  last  wishes.  He  little  thought  that  those  very  roses 
from  the  tomb  in  which  he  was  laid  to  rest  in  1123  would,  in 
the  nineteenth  century,  grace  the  spot  where  his  greatest 
modern  interpreter — Fitzgerald — lies  buried  in  the  little  Eng- 
lish town  of  Woodbridge! 

The  author  of  the  famous  Quatrains — Omar  Ibn  Ibrahim  al- 
Khayyam — not  himself  a  tent-maker,  but  so-called,  as  are  the 
Smiths  of  our  own  day — was  of  the  city  of  Nishapiir.  The  in- 
vention of  the  Rubaiyat,  or  Epigram,  is  not  to  his  credit. 
That  honor  belongs  to  Abu  Said  of  Khorasan  (968-1049),  who 
used  it  as  a  means  of  expressing  his  mystic  pantheism.  But 
there  is  an  Omar  Khayyam  club  in  London — not  one  bearing 
the  name  of  Abu  Said.  What  is  the  bond  which  binds  the 
Rubaiyat-maker  in  far-off  Persia  to  the  literati  of  modern 
Anglo-Saxondom  ? 

By  his  own  people  Omar  was  persecuted  for  his  want  of  or- 
thodoxy ;  and  yet  his  grave  to  this  day  is  held  in  much  honor. 
By  others  he  was  looked  upon  as  a  Mystic.  Reading  the  five 
hundred  or  so  authentic  quatrains  one  asks,  Which  is  the  real 
Omar?  Is  it  he  who  sings  of  wine  and  of  pleasure ;  who  seems 
to  preach  a  life  of  sensual  enjoyment?  or  is  it  the  stern 
preacher,  who  criticises  all,  high  and  low ;  priest,  dervish,  and 
Mystic — yea,  even  God  himself  ?  I  venture  to  say  that  the  real 
Omar  is  both ;  or,  rather,  he  is  something  higher  than  is  ade- 
quately expressed  in  these  two  words.  The  Ecclesiastes  of 
Persia,  he  was  weighed  down  by  the  great  questions  of  life  and 
death  and  morality,  as  was  he  whom  people  so  wrongly  call 
"  the  great  sceptic  of  the  Bible.  The  "  Weltschmerz  "  was  his, 
and  he  fought  hard  within  himself  to  find  that  mean  way  which 
philosophers  delight  in  pointing  out.  If  at  times  Omar  does 
preach  carpe  diem,  if  he  paint  in  his  exuberant  fancy  the 
delights  of  carousing,  Fitzgerald  is  right — he  bragged  more 
than  he  drank.  The  under-current  of  a  serious  view  of  life  runs 
through  all  he  has  written  ;  the  love  of  the  beautiful  in  nature — 
a  sense  of  the  real  worth  of  certain  things  and  the  worthlessness 
of  the  Ego.  Resignation  to  what  is  man's  evident  fate ;  doing 


SPECIAL  INTRODUCTION  ix 

well  what  every  day  brings  to  be  done — this  is  his  own  answer. 
It  was  Job's — it  was  that  of  Ecclesiastes. 

This  same  "  Weltschmcrs  "  is  ours  to-day ;  therefore  Omar 
Khayyam  is  of  us  beloved.  He  speaks  what  often  we  do  not 
dare  to  speak ;  one  of  his  quatrains  can  be  more  easily  quoted 
than  some  of  those  thoughts  can  be  formulated.  And  then  he 
is  picturesque — picturesque  because  he  is  at  times  ambiguous. 
Omar  seems  to  us  to  have  been  so  many  things — a  believing 
Moslem,  a  pantheistic  Mystic,  an  exact  scientist  (for  he  re- 
formed the  Persian  calendar).  Such  many-sidedness  was  pos- 
sible in  Islam ;  but  it  gives  him  the  advantage  of  appealing  to 
many  and  different  classes  of  men ;  each  class  will  find  that  he 
speaks  their  mind  and  their  mind  only.  That  Omar  was  also 
tainted  by  Sufism  there  can  be  no  doubt ;  and  many  of  his  most 
daring  flights  must  be  regarded  as  the  results  of  the  greater 
license  which  Mystic  interpretation  gave  to  its  votaries. 

By  the  side  of  Firdusi  the  epic  poet,  and  Omar  the  philoso- 
pher, Sa'di  the  wise  man,  well  deserves  a  place.  His  country- 
men are  accustomed  to  speak  of  him  simply  as  "  the  Sheikh," 
much  more  to  his  real  liking  than  the  titles  "  The  nightingale 
of  the  groves  of  Shiraz,"  or  "  The  nightingale  of  a  Thousand 
Songs,"  in  which  Oriental  hyperbole  expresses  its  apprecia- 
tion. Few  leaders  and  teachers  have  had  the  good  fortune  to 
live  out  their  teachings  in  their  own  lives  as  had  Sa'di.  And 
that  life  was  long  indeed.  Muharrif  al-Din  Abdallah  Sa'di  was 
born  at  Shiraz  in  1184,  and  far  exceeded  the  natural  span  of 
life  allotted  to  man — for  he  lived  to  be  one  hundred  and  ten 
years  of  age — and  much  of  the  time  was  lived  in  days  of 
stress  and  trouble.  The  Mongols  were  devastating  in  the 
East ;  the  Crusaders  were  fighting  in  the  West.  In  1226  Sa'di 
himself  felt  the  effects  of  the  one — he  was  forced  to  leave 
Shiraz  and  grasp  the  wanderer's  staff,  and  by  the  Crusaders 
he  was  taken  captive  and  led  away  to  Tripoli.  But  just  this 
look  into  the  wide  world,  this  thorough  experience  of  men 
and  things,  produced  that  serenity  of  being  that  gave  him  the 
firm  hold  upon  life  which  the  true  teacher  must  always  have. 
Of  his  own  spiritual  condition  and  contentment  he  says: 
"  Never  did  I  complain  of  my  forlorn  condition  but  on  one 
occasion,  when  my  feet  were  bare,  and  I  had  not  wherewithal 
to  shoe  them.  Soon  after,  meeting  a  man  without  feet,  I  was 
thankful  for  the  bounty  of  Providence  to  myself,  and  with 
perfect  resignation  submitted  to  my  want  of  shoes." 


x  LITERATURE   OF   PERSIA 

Thus  attuned  to  the  world,  Sa'di  escapes  the  depths  of  mis- 
anthropy as  well,  as  the  transports  of  unbridled  license  and 
somewhat  blustering  swagger  into  which  Omar  at  times  fell. 
In  his  simplicity  of  heart  he  says  very  tenderly  of  his  own 
work : — 

"  We  give  advice  in  its  proper  place, 
Spending  a  lifetime  in  the  task. 
If  it  should  not  touch  any  one's  ear  of  desire, 
The  messenger  told  his  tale  ;  it  is  enough." 

That  tale  is  a  long  one.  His  apprenticeship  was  spent  in 
Arabic  Bagdad,  sitting  at  the  feet  of  noted  scholars,  and  tak- 
ing in  knowledge  not  only  of  his  own  Persian  Sufism,  but  also 
of  the  science  and  learning  which  had  been  gathered  in  the 
home  of  the  Abbaside  Caliphs.  His  journeyman-years  took 
him  all  through  the  dominions  which  were  under  Arab  influ- 
ence— in  Europe,  the  Barbary  States,  Egypt,  Abyssinia,  Arabia, 
Syria,  Palestine,  Asia  Minor,  India.  All  these  places  were 
visited  before  he  returned  to  Shiraz,  the  "  seat  of  learning," 
to  put  to  writing  the  thoughts  which  his  sympathetic  and  ob- 
serving mind  had  been  evolving  during  all  these  years.  This 
time  of  his  mastership  was  spent  in  the  seclusion  almost  of 
a  recluse  and  in  producing  the  twenty-two  works  which  have 
come  down  to  us.  An  Oriental  writer  says  of  these  periods  of 
his  life :  "  The  first  thirty  years  of  Sa'di's  long  life  were  de- 
voted to  study  and  laying  up  a  stock  of  knowledge ;  the  next 
thirty,  or  perhaps  forty,  in  treasuring  up  experience  and  dis- 
seminating that  knowlege  during  his  wide  extending  travels ; 
and  that  some  portion  should  intervene  between  the  business 
of  life  and  the  hour  of  death  (and  that  with  him  chanced  to 
be  the  largest  share  of  it),  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life, 
or  seventy  years,  in  the  retirement  of  a  recluse,  when  he  was 
exemplary  in  his  temperance  and  edifying  in  his  piety." 

Of  Sa'di's  versatility,  these  twenty-two  works  give  sufficient 
evidence.  He  could  write  homilies  (Risalahs)  in  a  Mystic- 
religious  fashion.  He  could  compose  lyrics  in  Arabic  and 
Turkish  as  well  as  in  Persian.  He  was  even  led  to  give  forth 
erotic  verses.  Fondly  we  hope  that  he  did  this  last  at  the  com- 
mand of  some  patron  or  ruler!  But  Sa'di  is  known  to  us 
chiefly  by  his  didactic  works,  and  for  these  we  cherish  him. 
The  "  Bustan,"  or  "  Tree-Garden,"  is  the  more  sober  and 


SPECIAL  INTRODUCTION  xi 

theoretical,  treating  of  the  various  problems  and  questions  of 
ethics,  and  filled  with  Mystic  and  Sufic  descriptions  of  love. 

His  other  didactic  work,  the  "  Gulistan,"  is  indeed  a  "  Garden 
of  Roses,"  as  its  name  implies ;  a  mirror  for  every  one  alike, 
no  matter  what  his  station  in  life  may  be.  In  prose  and  in 
poetry,  alternating;  in  the  form  of  rare  adventures  and  quaint 
devices;  in  accounts  of  the  lives  of  kings  who  have  passed 
away ;  in  maxims  and  apothegms,  Sa'di  inculcates  his  worldly 
wisdom — worldly  in  the  better  sense  of  the  word.  Like 
Goethe  in  our  own  day,  he  stood  above  the  world  and  yet  in 
it ;  so  that  while  we  feel  bound  to  him  by  the  bonds  of  a  com- 
mon human  frailty,  he  reaches  out  with  us  to  a  higher  and 
purer  atmosphere.  Though  his  style  is  often  wonderfully 
ornate,  it  is  still  more  sober  than  that  of  Hafiz.  Sa'di  is  known 
to  all  readers  of  Persian  in  the  East ;  his  "  Gulistan  "  is  often  a 
favorite  reading-book. 

The  heroic  and  the  didactic  are,  however,  not  the  only  forms 
in  which  the  genius  of  Persian  poetry  loved  to  clothe  itself. 
From  the  earliest  times  there  were  poets  who  sung  of  love 
and  of  wine,  of  youth  and  of  nature,  with  no  thought  of  draw- 
ing a  moral,  or  illustrating  a  tale.  From  the  times  of  Rudagi 
and  the  Samanide  princes  (tenth  century),  these  poets  of  sen- 
timent sang  their  songs  and  charmed  the  ears  of  their  hearers. 
Even  Firdusi  showed,  in  some  of  his  minor  poems,  that  joyous 
look  into  and  upon  the  world  which  is  the  soul  of  all  lyric 
poetry.  But  of  all  the  Persian  lyric  poets,  Shams  al-Din  Mo- 
hammed Hafiz  has  been  declared  by  all  to  be  the  greatest. 
Though  the  storms  of  war  and  the  noise  of  strife  beat  all  about 
his  country  and  even  disturbed  the  peace  of  his  native  place 
— no  trace  of  all  this  can  be  found  in  the  poems  of  Hafiz — as 
though  he  were  entirely  removed  from  all  that  went  on  about 
him,  though  seeing  just  the  actual  things  of  life.  He  was,  to 
all  appearance,  unconcerned:  glad  only  to  live  and  to  sing. 
At  Shiraz  he  was  born;  at  Shiraz  he  died.  Only  once,  it  is 
recorded,  did  he  leave  his  native  place,  to  visit  the  brother  of 
his  patron  in  Yezd.  He  was  soon  back  again :  travel  had  no 
inducement  for  him.  The  great  world  outside  could  offer  him 
nothing  more  than  his  wonted  haunts  in  Shiraz.  It  is  further 
said  that  he  put  on  the  garb  of  a  Dervish ;  but  he  was  alto- 
gether free  of  the  Dervish's  conceit.  "  The  ascetic  is  the  ser- 
pent of  his  age  "  is  a  saying  put  into  his  mouth. 


xii  LITERATURE   OF    PERSIA 

He  had  in  him  much  that  resembled  Omar  Khayyam ;  but 
he  was  not  a  philosopher.  Therefore,  in  the  East  at  least,  his 
"  Divan  "  is  more  popular  than  the  Quatrains  of  Omar ;  his 
songs  are  sung  where  Omar's  name  is  not  heard.  He  is  sub- 
stantially a  man  of  melody — with  much  mannerism,  it  is  true, 
in  his  melody — but  filling  whatever  he  says  with  a  wealth  of 
charming  imagery  and  clothing  his  verse  in  delicate  rhythms. 
Withal  a  man,  who  despite  his  boisterous  gladsomeness  and 
his  overflowing  joy  in  what  the  present  has  to  offer,  in  whom 
there  is  nothing  common,  nothing  low.  "  The  Garden  of  Para- 
dise may  be  pleasant,"  he  tells  us,  "  but  forget  not  the  shade 
of  the  willow-tree  and  the  fair  margin  of  the  fruitful  field." 
He  is  very  human;  but  his  humanity  is  deeply  ethical  in 
character. 

Much  more  than  Omar  and  Sa'di,  Hafiz  was  a  thorough 
Sufi.  "  In  one  and  the  same  song  you  write  of  wine,  of 
Sufism,  and  of  the  object  of  your  affection,"  is  what  Shah 
Shuja  said  to  him  once.  In  fact,  we  are  often  at  an  entire 
loss  to  tell  where  reality  ends  and  Sufic  vacuity  commences. 
For  this  Mystic  philosophy  that  we  call  Sufism  patched  up  a 
sort  of  peace  between  the  old  Persian  and  the  conquering 
Mohammedan.  By  using  veiled  language,  by  taking  all  the 
every-day  things  of  life  as  mere  symbols  of  the  highest  tran- 
scendentalism, it  was  possible  to  be  an  observing  Moham- 
medan in  the  flesh,  whilst  the  mind  wandered  in  the  realms  of 
pure  fantasy  and  speculation.  While  enjoying  Hafiz,  then, 
and  bathing  in  his  wealth  of  picture,  one  is  at  a  loss  to  tell 
whether  the  bodies  he  describes  are  of  flesh  and  blood,  or  in- 
corporeal ones  with  a  mystic  background ;  whether  the  wine 
of  which  he  sings  really  runs  red,  and  the  love  he  describes  is 
really  centred  upon  a  mortal  being.  Yet,  when -he  says  of  him- 
self, "  Open  my  grave  when  I  am  dead,  and  thou  shalt  see  a 
cloud  of  smoke  rising  out  from  it ;  then  shalt  thou  know  that 
the  fire  still  burns  in  my  dead  heart — yea,  it  has  set  my  very 
winding-sheet  alight,"  there  is  a  ring  of  reality  in  the  sub- 
stance which  pierces  through  the  extravagant  imagery.  This 
the  Persians  themselves  have  always  felt;  and  they  will  not 
be  far  from  the  truth  in  regarding  Hafiz  with  a  very  peculiar 
affection  as  the  writer  who,  better  than  anyone  else,  is  the  poet 
of  their  gay  moments  and  the  boon  companion  of  their  feasts. 

Firdusi,  Omar,  Sa'di,  Hafiz,  are  names  of  which  any  lit- 


SPECIAL    INTRODUCTION 


Xlll 


erature  may  be  proud.  None  like  unto  them  rose  again  in 
Persia,  if  we  except  the  great  Jami.  At  the  courts  of  Shah 
Abbas  the  Great  (1588-1629)  and  of  Akbar  of  India  (1556- 
1605),  an  attempt  to  revive  Persian  letters  was  indeed  made. 
But  nothing  came  that  could  in  any  measure  equal  the  hey- 
day of  the  great  poets.  The  political  downfall  of  Persia  has 
effectually  prevented  the  coming  of  another  spring  and  sum- 
mer. The  pride  of  the  land  of  the  Shah  must  now  rest  in 
its  past. 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY,  June  n,  1900. 


CONTENTS 


THE   SHAH   NAMEH 

PAGE 

Introduction  3 

Kaiumers    7 

Husheng    9 

Tahumers    10 

Jemshid    1 1 

Mirtas-Tazi,  and  His  Son  Zohak 13 

Kavah,  the  Blacksmith 31 

Feridun    35 

Feridun  and  His  Three  Sons 37 

Minuchihr  43 

Zal,  the  Son  of  Sam 50 

The  Dream  of  Sam 51 

Rudabeh   54 

Death  of  Minuchihr 68 

Nauder    69 

Afrasiyab  Marches  against  Nauder 72 

Afrasiyab   75 

Zau   78 

Garshasp 78 

Kai-Kobad   84 

Kai-Kaus   88 

The  Seven  Labors  of  Rustem 93 

Invasion  of  Iran  by  Afrasiyab 107 

The  Return  of  Kai-Kaus 109 

Story  of  Sohrab 115 

The  Story  of  Saiawush 157 

Kai-Khosrau   189 

Akwan  Diw  206 

The  Story  of  Byzun  and  Manijeh 210 

Barzu,  and  His  Conflict  with  Rustem 224 

Susen  and  Afrasiyab 233 

The  Expedition  of  Gudarz 240 

The  Death  of  Afrasiyab 245 

The  Death  of  Kai-Khosrau 247 

xv 


xvi  LITERATURE   OF    PERSIA 

PAGE 

Lohurasp  250 

Gushtasp,  and  the  Faith  of  Zerdusht 260 

The  Heft- Khan  of  Isf endiyar 273 

Capture  of  the  Brazen  Fortress 284 

The  Death  of  Isf  endiyar 307 

The  Death  of  Rustem 311 

Bahman   315 

Humai  and  the  Birth  of  Darab 318 

Darab  and  Dara 323 

Sikander    325 

Firdusi's  Invocation   334 

Firdusi's  Satire  on  Mahmud 336 


THE    RUBAIYAT 

Introduction    341 

Omar  Khayyam  345 

The  Rubaiyat 349 


THE    DIVAN 

Introduction   365 

Fragment  by  Hafiz 369 

The   Divan 371 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

FACING  PAGE 

THE  PUBLIC  SCRIBE     ......     Frontispiece 

Photogravure  from  the  original  painting 

THE  LATE  SHAH  OF  PERSIA 90 

Photogravure  from  a  photograph 

PAGE  FROM  A  PERSIAN  GRAMMAR 212 

Fac-simile  Reproduction  of  Oriental  Printing  and  Engraving 

THE  MUEZZIN 338 

Photogravure  from  the  original  painting 


THE    SHAH     NAMEH 


BY 


FIRDUSI 

(Abul  Kasim  Mansur) 
[Translated  into  English  by  James  Atkinson] 


The  system  of  Sir  William  Jones  in  the  printing  of  Oriental  words 
has  been  kept  in  view  in  the  following  work,  viz. :  The  letter  a  repre- 
sents the  short  vowel  as  in  bat,  a  with  an  accent  the  broad  sound  of  a  in 
hall,  i  as  in  lily,  i  with  an  accent  as  in  police,  u  as  in  bull,  u  with  an  accent 
as  in  rude,  6  with  an  accent  as  o  in  pole,  the  diphthong  ai  as  in  aisle,  au  as 
in  the  German  word  kraut  or  ou  in  house. 


INTRODUCTION 

WHEN  Sir  John  Lubbock,  in  the  list  of  a  hundred  books 
which  he  published,  in  the  year  1886,  as  containing 
the  best  hundred  worth  reading,  mentioned  the  "  Shah 
Nameh  "  or  "  Book  of  Kings,"  written  by  the  Persian  poet  Fir- 
dusi,  it  is  doubtful  whether  many  of  his  readers  had  even  heard 
of  such  a  poem  or  of  its  author.  Yet  Firdusi  "  The  Poet  of 
Paradise  "  (for  such  is  the  meaning  of  this  pen-name)  is  as 
much  the  national  poet  of  Persia  as  Dante  is  of  Italy  or  Shake- 
speare of  England.  Abul  Kasim  Mansur  is  indeed  a  genuine 
epic  poet,  and  for  this  reason  his  work  is  of  genuine  interest  to 
the  lovers  of  Homer,  Vergil,  and  Dante.  The  qualities  that 
go  to  make  up  an  epic  poem  are  all  to  be  found  in  this  work 
of  the  Persian  bard.  In  the  first  place,  the  "  Shah  Nameh  "  is 
written  by  an  enthusiastic  patriot,  who  glorifies  his  country, 
and  by  that  means  has  become  recognized  as  the  national  poet 
of  Persia.  In  the  second  place,  the  poem  presents  us  with  a 
complete  view  of  a  certain  definite  phase,  and  complete  era  of 
civilization ;  in  other  words,  it  is  a  transcript  from  the  life ;  a 
portrait-gallery  of  distinct  and  unique  individuals ;  a  descrip- 
tion of  what  was  once  an  actual  society.  We  find  in  it  deline- 
ated the  Persia  of  the  heroic  age,  an  age  of  chivalry,  eclipsing, 
in  romantic  emotion,  deeds  of  daring,  scenes  of  love  and  vio- 
lence, even  the  mediaeval  chivalry  of  France  and  Spain. 
Again,  this  poem  deals  principally  with  the  adventures  of  one 
man.  For  all  other  parts  of  the  work  are  but  accessories  to 
\  the  single  figure  of  Rustem,  the  heroic  personage  whose  super- 
human strength,  dignity,  and  beauty  make  him  to  be  a  verita- 
ble Persian  Achilles.  But  when  we  regard  the  details  of  this 
work  we  see  how  deeply  the  literary  posterity  of  Homer  are 
indebted  to  the  Father  of  European  Poetry.  The  fantastic 
crowd  of  demons,  peris,  and  necromancers  that  appear  as  the 
supernatural  machinery  of  the  Shah  Nameh,  such  grotesque 

3 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH 


fancies  as  the  serpents  that  grew  from  the  shoulders  of  King 
Zodak,  or  the  ladder  of  Zerdusht,  on  which  he  mounted  from 
earth  to  heaven — all  these  and  a  hundred  other  fancies  com- 
pare unfavorably  with  the  reserve  of  Homer,  in  his  use  of  such 
a  personage  as  Circe,  and  the  human  grace  and  dignity  which 
he  lends  to  that  genial  circle  on  Olympus,  whose  inextinguish- 
able laughter  is  called  forth  by  the  halting  wine-bearer  a  god 
like  themselves.  While  we  read  the  "  Shah  Nameh  "  with  keen 
interest,  because  from  its  study  the  mind  is  enlargd  and  stimu- 
lated by  new  scenes,  new  ideas  and  unprecedented  situations, 
we  feel  grateful  that  the  battle  of  Salamis  stopped  the  Persian 
invasion  of  Europe,  which  would  doubtless  have  resulted  in 
changing  the  current  of  literature  from  that  orderly  and  stately 
course  which  it  had  taken  from  its  fountain  in  a  Greek  Par- 
nassus, and  diverted  it  into  the  thousand  brawding  rills  of  Per- 
sian fancy  and  exaggeration. 

It  is  a  hundred  years  ago  that  a  certain  physician  'n  the  em- 
ployment of  the  East  India  Company,  who  then  represented 
British  supremacy  in  Bengal  and  Calcutta,  published  the  "  Story 
of  Sohrab,"  a  poem  in  heroic  couplets,  being  a  translation  of 
the  most  pathetic  episode  in  the  "  Shah  Nameh."  If  we  compare 
this  English  poem  with  Jules  Mohl's  literal  translation  of  the 
Persian  epic  into  French,  we  find  that  James  Atkinson  stands 
very  much  in  the  same  relation  to  Firdusi  as  Pope  does  to 
Homer.  It  would  be  indeed  absurd  for  an  English  writer  to 
attempt  to  conform,  in  an  English  version,  to  the  vagaries  of 
Persian  idiom,  or  even  to  attempt  a  literal  rendering  of  the 
Persian  trope.  The  manner  of  a  poet  can  never  be  faithfully 
reproduced  in  a  translation,  but  all  that  is  really  valuable,  really 
affecting,  in  an  epic  poem  will  survive  transfusion  into  the 
frank  and  natural  idiom  of  another  tongue.  We  say  epic 
poem,  because  one  of  the  distinguishing  features  in  this  form 
of  literary  expression  is  that  its  action  hinges  on  those  funda- 
mental passions  of  humanity,  that  "  touch  which  makes  the 
whole  world  kin,"  whose  alphabet  is  the  same  in  every  latitude. 
The  publication  of "  Sohrab  "  was  nevertheless  the  revelation  of 
a  new  world  to  London  coteries,  and  the  influence  of  Mr.  Atkin- 
son's work  can  be  traced  as  well  in  the  Persian  pastorals  of 
Collins  as  in  the  oriental  poems  of  Southey  and  Moore.  This 
metrical  version  of "  Sohrab  "  is  the  only  complete  episode  of  the 


INTRODUCTION  5 

Shah  Nameh  contained  in  the  present  collection.  When  we 
consider  that  the  Persian  original  consists  of  some  one  hundred 
and  twenty  thousand  lines,  it  will  easily  be  understood  that  a 
literal  rendering  of  the  whole  would  make  a  volume  whose 
bulk  would  put  it  far  out  of  reach  to  the  general  reader.  At- 
kinson has  very  wisely  furnished  us  with  a  masterly  resume  of 
the  chief  episodes,  each  of  which  he  outlines  in  prose,  occa- 
sionally flashing  out  into  passages  of  sparkling  verse,  which 
run  through  the  narrative  like  golden  threads  woven  into  the 
tissue  of  some  storied  tapestry.  The  literary  style  of  the  trans- 
lator is  admirable.  Sometimes,  as  when  he  describes  the  tent 
of  Manijeh,  he  becomes  as  simple  and  direct  as  Homer  in  de- 
picting the  palace  of  Alcinous.  The  language  of  his  Sohrab 
recalls  the  pathos  of  Vergil's  Nisus  and  Euryalus,  and  the 
paternal  love  and  despair  of  Dante's  Ugolino.  But  in  Rustem 
the  tears  of  anguish  and  sorrow  seem  to  vanish  like  morning 
dew,  in  the  excitement  of  fresh  adventure,  and  human  feeling, 
as  depicted  by  Firdusi,  lacks  not  only  the  refined  gradations, 
but  also  the  intensity,  which  we  see  in  the  Florentine  poet. 
Atkinson's  versification  is  rather  that  of  Queen  Anne's  time 
than  what  we  of  the  Victorian  age  profess  to  admire  in  Brown- 
ing and  Tennyson.  But  it  is  one  of  the  chief  praises  of  Tenny- 
son that  he  has  treated  Sir  Thomas  Malory  very  much  in  the 
same  way  as  Mr.  Atkinson  has  treated  Abul  Kasim  Mansur, 
by  bringing  the  essential  features  of  an  extinct  society  within 
the  range  of  modern  vision,  and  into  touch  with  modern  sym- 
pathies. All  that  is  of  value  in  Firdusi,  to  the  reader  of  to-day, 
will  be  found  in  this  version  of  Atkinson,  while  the  philologist 
or  the  antiquarian  can  satisfy  their  curiosity  either  in  the  orig- 
inal, or  in  the  French  versions  whose  fidelity  is  above  suspicion. 
For  it  is  bare  justice  to  say  that  James  Atkinson's  Firdusi  is 
one  of  those  translations,  even  though  it  be  at  the  same  time  an 
abridgment,  which  have  taken  their  place  in  the  rank  of  Brit- 
ish classics.  It  is  the  highest  praise  that  can  be  given  to  a 
work  of  this  character  to  say  that  it  may  be  placed  on  the  book- 
shelf side  by  side  with  Jeremy  Collier's  "  Marcus  Aurelius," 
Leland's  "  Demosthenes,"  and  the  "  Montaigne  "  of  Charles 
Cotton.  It  embalms  the  genuine  spirit  and  life  of  an  Oriental 
poem  in  the  simple  yet  tasteful  form  of  English  narrative. 
The  blending  of  verse  and  prose  is  a  happy  expedient.  If 


6  THE   SHAH    NAMEH 

we  may  use  the  metaphor  of  Horace,  we  should  say,  that  Mr. 
Atkinson  alternately  trudges  along  on  foot,  and  rises  on  the 
wings  of  verse  into  the  upper  air.  The  reader  follows  with 
pleasure  both  his  march  and  his  flight,  and  reaches  the  end 
of  the  volume  with  the  distinct  impression  that  he  has  been 
reading  a  Persian  poem,  and  all  the  while  forgotten  that  it 
was  written  in  the  English  language. 

E.  W. 


THE  SHAH  NAMEH 


KAIUMERS 

ACCORDING  to  the  traditions  of  former  ages,  recorded 
in  the  Bastan-nameh,  the  first  person  who  established 
a  code  of  laws  and  exercised  the  functions  of  a  mon- 
arch in  Persia,  was  Kaiumers.    It  is  said  that  he  dwelt  among 
the  mountains,  and  that  his  garments  were  made  of  the  skins 
of  beasts. 

His  reign  was  thirty  years,  and  o'er  the  earth 

He  spread  the  blessings  of  paternal  sway; 

Wild  animals,  obsequious  to  his  will, 

Assembled  round  his  throne,  and  did  him  homage. 

He  had  a  son  named  Saiamuk,  a  youth 

Of  lovely  form  and  countenance,  in  war 

Brave  and  accomplished,  and  the  dear  delight 

Of  his  fond  father,  who  adored  the  boy, 

And  only  dreaded  to  be  parted  from  him. 
[  So  is  it  ever  with  the  world — the  parent 

Still  doating  on  his  offspring.     Kaiumers 

Had  not  a  foe,  save  one,  a  hideous  Demon, 

Who  viewed  his  power  with  envy,  and  aspired 

To  work  his  ruin.     He,  too,  had  a  son, 

Fierce  as  a  wolf,  whose  days  were  dark  and  bitter, 

Because  the  favoring  heavens  in  kinder  mood 

Smiled  on  the  monarch  and  his  gallant  heir. 

— When  Saiamuk  first  heard  the  Demon's  aim 

Was  to  o'erthrow  his  father  and  himself, 

Surprise  and  indignation  filled  his  heart, 

And  speedily  a  martial  force  he  raised, 
'.  To  punish  the  invader.     Proudly  garbed 

In  leopard's  skin,  he  hastened  to  the  war; 

But  when  the  combatants,  with  eager  mien, 

Impatient  met  upon  the  battle-field. 

And  both  together  tried  their  utmost  strength, 

Down  from  his  enemy's  dragon-grasp  soon  fell 

The  luckless  son  of  royal  Kaiumers, 

Vanquished  and  lifeless.     Sad,  unhappy  fate! 
7 


8  FIRDUSI 

Disheartened  by  this  disastrous  event,  the  army  immedi- 
ately retreated,  and  returned  to  Kaiiimers,  who  wept  bitterly 
for  the  loss  of  his  son,  and  continued  a  long  time  inconsol- 
able. But  after  a  year  had  elapsed  a  mysterious  voice  ad- 
dressed him,  saying: — "  Be  patient,  and  despair  not — thou 
hast  only  to  send  another  army  against  the  Demons,  and  the 
triumph  and  the  victory  will  be  thine. 

Drive  from  the  earth  that  Demon  horrible, 
And  sorrow  will  be  rooted  from  thy  heart." 

Saiamuk  left  a  son  whose  name  was  Husheng,  whom  the 
king  loved  much  more  even  than  his  father. 

Husheng  his  name.    There  seemed  in  him  combined, 

Knowledge  and  goodness  eminent.  .  To  him 

Was  given  his  father's  dignity  and  station. 

And  the  old  man,  his  grandsire,  scarcely  deigned 

To  look  upon  another,  his  affection 

For  him  was  so  unbounded. 

Kaiumers  having  appointed  Husheng  the  leader  of  the 
army,  the  young  hero  set  out  with  an  immense  body  of  troops 
to  engage  the  Demon  and  his  son.  It  is  said  that  at  that 
time  every  species  of  animal,  wild  and  tame,  was  obedient 
to  his  command. 

The  savage  beasts,  and  those  of  gentler  kind, 
Alike  reposed  before  him,  and  appeared 
To  do  him  homage. 

The  wolf,  the  tiger,  the  lion,  the  panther,  and  even  the  fowls 
of  the  air,  assembled  in  aid  of  him,  and  he,  by  the  blessing 
of  God,  slew  the  Demon  and  his  offspring  with  his  own  hand. 
After  which  the  army  of  Kaiumers,  and  the  devouring  animals 
that  accompanied  him  in  his  march,  defeated  and  tore  to  pieces 
the  scattered  legions  of  the  enemy.  Upon  the  death  of  Kaiu- 
mers Husheng  ascended  the  throne  of  Persia. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH 


HUSHENG 

IT  is  recorded  that  Husheng  was  the  first  who  brought  out 
fire  from  stone,  and  from  that  circumstance  he  founded 
the  religion  of  the  Fire-worshippers,  calling  the  flame 
I   which  was  produced,  the  Light  of  the  Divinity.    The  accidental 
discovery  of  this  element  is  thus  described : — 

Passing,  one  day,  towards  the  mountain's  side, 

Attended  by  his  train,  surprised  he  saw 

Something  in  aspect  terrible — its  eyes 

Fountains  of  blood;    its  dreadful  mouth  sent  forth 

Volumes  of  smoke  that  darkened  all  the  air. 

Fixing  his  gaze  upon  that  hideous  form, 

He  seized  a  stone,  and  with  prodigious  force 

Hurling  it,  chanced  to  strike  a  jutting  rock, 

Whence  sparks  arose,  and  presently  a  fire 

O'erspread  the  plain,  in  which  the  monster  perished. 

— Thus  Husheng  found  the  element  which  shed 

Light  through  the  world.    The  monarch  prostrate  bowed, 

Praising  the  great  Creator,  for  the  good 

Bestowed  on  man,  and,  pious,  then  he  said, 

\"  This  is  the  Light  from  Heaven,  sent  down  from  God; 
If  ye  be  wise,  adore  and  worship  it!  " 

It  is  also  related  that,  in  the  evening  of  the  day  on  which 
the  luminous  flash  appeared  to  him  from  the  stone,  he  lighted 
an  immense  fire,  and,  having  made  a  royal  entertainment,  he 
called  it  the  Festival  of  Siddeh.  By  him  the  art  of  the  black- 
smith was  discovered,  and  he  taught  river  and  streamlet  to 
supply  the  towns,  and  irrigate  the  fields  for  the  purposes  of 
cultivation.  And  he  also  brought  into  use  the  fur  of  the  sable, 
and  the  squirrel,  and  the  ermine.  Before  his  time  mankind 
had  nothing  for  food  but  fruit,  and  the  leaves  of  trees  and  the 

I  skins  of  animals  for  clothing.    He  introduced,  and  taught  his 
people,  the  method  of  making  bread,  and  the  art  of  cookery. 

Then  ate  they  their  own  bread,  for  it  was  good, 
And  they  were  grateful  to  their  benefactor; 
Mild  laws  were  framed — the  very  land  rejoiced, 
Smiling  with  cultivation;    all  the  world 
Remembering  Husheng's  virtues. 

The  period  of  his  government  is  said  to  have  lasted  forty 
years,  and  he  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  Tahumers. 


io  FIRDUSI 


TAHOMERS 

THIS  sovereign  was  also  called  Diw-bund,  or  the  Binder 
of  Demons.  He  assembled  together  all  the  wise  men 
in  his  dominions,  to  consider  and  deliberate  upon  what- 
ever might  be  of  utility  and  advantage  to  the  people  of  God. 
In  his  days  wool  was  spun  and  woven,  and  garments  and  car- 
pets manufatcured,  and  various  animals,  such  as  panthers,  fal- 
cons, hawks,  and  syagoshes,  were  tamed,  and  taught  to  assist 
in  the  sports  of  the  field.  Tahumers  had  also  a  vizir,  renowned 
for  his  wisdom  and  understanding.  Having  one  day  charmed 
a  Demon  into  his  power  by  philters  and  magic,  he  conveyed 
him  to  Tahumers ;  upon  which,  the  brethren  and  allies  of  the 
prisoner,  feeling  ashamed  and  degraded  by  the  insult,  col- 
lected an  army,  and  went  to  war  against  the  king.  Tahumers 
was  equally  in  wrath  when  he  heard  of  these  hostile  proceed- 
ings, and  having  also  gathered  together  an  army  on  his  part, 
presented  himself  before  the  enemy.  The  name  of  the  leader 
of  the  Demons  was  Ghii.  On  one  side  the  force  consisted  of 
fire,  and  smoke,  and  Demons ;  on  the  other,  brave  and  mag- 
nanimous warriors.  Tahumers  lifted  his  mace,  as  soon  as  he 
was  opposed  to  the  enemy,  and  giving  Ghu  a  blow  on  the 
head,  killed  him  on  the  spot.  The  other  Demons  being  taken 
prisoners,  he  ordered  them  to  be  destroyed;  but  they  peti- 
tioned for  mercy,  promising,  if  their  lives  were  spared,  that 
they  would  teach  him  a  wonderful  art.  Tahumers  assented, 
and  they  immediately  brought  their  books,  and  pens  and  ink, 
and  instructed  him  how  to  read  and  write. 

/    They  taught  him  letters,  and  his  eager  mind 

With  learning  was  illumined.     The  world  was  blest 
With  quiet  and  repose,  Peris  and  Demons 
Submitting  to  his  will. 

The  reign  of  Tahumers  lasted  thirty  years  and  after  him 
the  monarchy  descended  to  Jemshid,  his  son. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH 


JEMSHID 

JEMSHID  was  eminently  distinguished  for  learning  and 
wisdom.     It  is  said  that  coats  of  mail,  cuirasses,  and 
swords  and  various  kinds  of  armor  were  invented  and 
manufactured  in  his  time,  and  also  that  garments  of  silk  were 
made  and  worn  by  his  people. 

Helmets  and  swords,  with  curious  art  they  made, 

Guided  by  Jemshid's  skill;  and  silks  and  linen 

And  robes  of  fur  and  ermine.     Desert  lands 

Were  cultivated;  and  wherever  stream 

Or  rivulet  wandered,  and  the  soil  was  good, 

He  fixed  the  habitations  of  his  people; 

And  there  they  ploughed  and  reaped:   for  in  that  age 

All  labored;   none  in  sloth  and  idleness 

Were  suffered  to  remain,  since  indolence 

Too  often  vanquishes  the  best,  and  turns 

To  nought  the  noblest,  firmest  resolution. 

Jemshid  afterwards  commanded  his  Demons  to  construct 
a  splendid  palace,  and  he  directed  his  people  how  to  make 
the  foundations  strong. 

He  taught  the  unholy  Demon-train  to  mingle 

Water  and  clay,  with  which,  formed  into  bricks, 

The  walls  were  built,  and  then  high  turrets,  towers, 

And  balconies,  and  roofs  to  keep  out  rain 

And  cold,  and  sunshine.     Every  art  was  known 

To  Jemshid,  without  equal  in  the  world. 

He  also  made  vessels  for  the  sea  and  the  river,  and  erected 
a  magnificent  throne,  embellished  with  pearls  and  precious 
stones ;  and  having  seated  himself  upon  it,  commanded  his 
Demons  to  raise  him  up  in  the  air,  that  he  might  be  able  to 
transport  himself  in  a  moment  wherever  he  chose.  He  named 
the  first  day  of  the  year  Nu-riiz  and  on  every  Nu-ruz  he  made 
a  royal  feast,  so  that  under  his  hospitable  roof,  mortals,  and 
Genii,  and  Demons,  and  Peris,  were  delighted  and  happy, 
every  one  being  equally  regaled  with  wine  and  music.  His 
government  is  said  to  have  continued  in  existence  seven  hun- 
dred years,  and  during  that  period,  it  is  added,  none  of  his 
subjects  suffered  death,  or  were  afflicted  with  disease. 


12  FIRDUSI 

Man  seemed  immortal,   sickness   was   unknown, 
|  And  life  rolled  on  in  happiness  and  joy. 

After  the  lapse  of  seven  hundred  years,  however,  inordinate 
ambition  inflamed  the  heart  of  Jemshid,  and,  having  assembled 
all  the  illustrious  personages  and  learned  men  in  his  domin- 
ions before  him,  he  said  to  them : — "  Tell  me  if  there  exists,  or 
ever  existed,  in  all  the  world,  a  king  of  such  magnificence  and 
power  as  I  am  ?  "  They  unanimously  replied : — "  Thou  art 
alone,  the  mightiest,  the  most  victorious:  there  is  no  equal 
to  thee!  "  The  just  God  beheld  this  foolish  pride  and  vanity 
with  displeasure,  and,  as  a  punishment,  cast  him  from  the  gov- 
ernment of  an  empire  into  a  state  of  utter  degradation  and 
misery. 

jr     All  looked  upon  the  throne,  and  heard  and  saw 
Nothing  but  Jemshid,  he  alone  was  king, 
Absorbing  every  thought;    and  in  their  praise, 
And  adoration  of  that  mortal  man, 
Forgot  the  worship  of  the  great  Creator. 
Then  proudly  thus  he  to  his  nobles  spoke, 
Intoxicated  with  their  loud  applause, 
"  I  am  unequalled,  for  to  me  the  earth 
Owes  all  its  science,  never  did  exist 
A  sovereignty  like  mine,  beneficent 
And  glorious,  driving  from  the  populous  land 
Disease  and  want.     Domestic  joy  and  rest 
Proceed  from  me,  all  that  is  good  and  great 
Waits  my  behest;   the  universal  voice 
Declares  the  splendor  of  my  government, 
Beyond  whatever  human  heart  conceived, 
And  me  the  only  monarch  of  the  world." 
— Soon  as  these  words  had  parted  from  his  lips, 
Words  impious,  and  insulting  to  high  heaven, 
His  earthly  grandeur  faded — then  all  tongues 
Grew  clamorous  and  bold.    The  day  of  Jemshid 
Passed  into  gloom,  his  brightness  all  obscured. 
What  said  the  Moralist?    "When  thou  wert  a  king 
Thy  subjects  were  obedient,  but  whoever 
Proudly  neglects  the  worship  of  his  God, 
Brings  desolation  on  his  house  and  home." 
— And  when  he  marked  the  insolence  of  his  people, 
He  knew  the  wrath  of  Heaven  had  been  provoked, 
And  terror  overcame  him. 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH 


MIRTAS-TAZf,  AND   HIS  SON  ZOHAK 

THE  old  historians  relate  that  Mirtas  was  the  name  of  a 
king  of  the  Arabs ;  and  that  he  had  a  thousand  animals 
which  gave  milk,  and  the  milk  of  these  animals  he  al- 
ways distributed  in  charity  among  the  poor.    God  was  pleased 
with  his  goodness,  and  accordingly  increased  his  favor  upon 
him. 

Goats,  sheep,  and  camels,  yielded  up  their  store 
Of  balmy  milk,  with  which  the  generous  king 
Nourished  the  indigent  and  helpless  poor. 

Mirtas  had  a  son  called  Zohak,  who  possessed  ten  thousand 
Arab  horses,  or  Tazis,  upon  which  account  he  was  surnamed 
Biwurasp ;  biwur  meaning  ten  thousand,  and  asp  a  horse. 
One  day  Iblis,  the  Evil  Spirit,  appeare'd  to  Zohak  in  the  dis- 
guise of  a  good  and  virtuous  man,  and  conversed  with  him 
in  the  most  agreeable  manner. 

Pleased  with  his  eloquence,  the  youth 
Suspected  not  the  speaker's  truth; 
But  praised  the  sweet  impassioned  strain, 
And  asked  him  to  discourse  again. 

Iblis  replied,  that  he  was  master  of  still  sweeter  converse, 
but  he  could  not  address  it  to  him,  unless  he  first  entered  into 
a  solemn  compact,  and  engaged  never  on  any  pretence  to  di- 
vulge his  secret. 

Zohak  in  perfect  innocence  of  heart 

Assented  to  the  oath,  and  bound  himself 

Never  to  tell  the  secret;  all  he  wished 

Was  still  to  hear  the  good  man's  honey  words. 

But  as  soon  as  the  oath  was  taken,  Iblis  said  to  him :  "  Thy 
father  has  become  old  and  worthless,  and  thou  art  young, 
and  wise,  and  valiant.  Let  him  no  longer  stand  in  thy  way, 
but  kill  him ;  the  robes  of  sovereignty  are  ready,  and  better 
adapted  for  thee." 

The  youth  in  agony  of  mind, 

Heard  whata  the  stranger  now  designed; 


I4  FIRDUSI 

Could  crime  like  this  be  understood! 
The  shedding  of  a  parent's  blood! 
Iblis  would  no  excuses  hear — 
The  oath  was  sworn — his  death  was  near. 
"  For  if  thou  think'st  to  pass  it  by, 
The  peril's  thine,  and  thou  must  die!  " 

Zohak  was  terrified  and  subdued  by  this  warning,  and  asked 
Iblis  in  what  manner  he  proposed  to  sacrifice  his  father.  Iblis 
replied,  that  he  would  dig  a  pit  on  the  path-way  which  led  to 
Mirtas-Tazi's  house  of  prayer.  Accordingly  he  secretly  made 
a  deep  well  upon  the  spot  most  convenient  for  the  purpose, 
and  covered  it  over  with  grass.  At  night,  as  the  king  was 
going,  as  usual,  to  the  house  of  prayer,  he  fell  into  the  pit, 
and  his  legs  and  arms  being  broken  by  the  fall,  he  shortly 
expired.  O  righteous  Heaven!  that  father  too,  whose  ten- 
derness would  not  suffer  even  the  winds  to  blow  upon  his  son 
too  roughly — and  that  son,  by  the  temptation  of  Iblis,  to  bring 
such  a  father  to  a  miserable  end ! 

Thus  urged  to  crime,  through  cruel  treachery, 
Zohak  usurped  his  pious  father's  throne. 

When  Iblis  found  that  he  had  got  Zohak  completely  in  his 
power,  he  told  him  that,  if  he  followed  his  counsel  and  advice 
implicitly,  he  would  become  the  greatest  monarch  of  the  age, 
the  sovereign  of  the  seven  climes,  signifying  the  whole  world. 
Zohak  agreed  to  every  thing,  and  Iblis  continued  to  bestow 
upon  him  the  most  devoted  attention  and  flattery  for  the  pur- 
pose of  moulding  him  entirely  to  his  will.  To  such  an  ex- 
treme degree  had  his  authority  attained,  that  he  became  the 
sole  director  even  in  the  royal  kitchen,  and  prepared  for  Zohak 
the  most  delicious  and  savory  food  imaginable ;  for  in  those 
days  bread  and  fruit  only  were  the  usual  articles  of  food.  Iblis 
himself  was  the  original  inventor  of  the  cooking  art.  Zohak 
was  delighted  with  the  dishes,  made  from  every  variety  of  bird 
and  four-footed  animal.  Every  day  something  new  and  rare 
was  brought  to  his  table,  and  every  day  Iblis  increased  in 
favor.  But  an  egg  was  to  him  the  most  delicate  of  all !  "  What 
can  there  be  superior  to  this  ?  "  said  he.  "  To-morrow,"  re- 
plied Iblis,  "  thou  shalt  have  something  better,  and  of  a  far 
superior  kind." 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  15 

Next  day  he  brought  delicious  fare,  and  dressed 

In  manner  exquisite  to  please  the  eye, 

As  well  as  taste;   partridge  and  pheasant  rich, 

A  banquet  for  a  prince.     Zohak  beheld 

Delighted  the  repast,  and  eagerly 

Relished  its  flavor;   then  in  gratitude, 

And  admiration  of  the  matchless  art 

Which  thus  had  ministered  to  his  appetite, 

He  cried: — "  For  this,  whatever  thou  desirest, 

And  I  can  give,  is  thine."     Iblis  was  glad, 

And,  little  anxious,  had  but  one  request — 

One  unimportant  wish — it  was  to  kiss 

The  monarch's  naked  shoulder — a  mere  whim. 

And  promptly  did  Zohak  comply,  for  he 

Was  unsuspicious  still,  and  stripped  himself, 

Ready  to  gratify  that  simple  wish. 

Iblis  then  kissed  the  part  with  fiendish  glee, 
And  vanished  in  an  instant. 

From  the  touch 

Sprang  two  black  .serpents!    Then  a  tumult  rose 
Among  the  people,  searching  for  Iblis 
Through  all  the  palace,  but  they  sought  in  vain. 

To  young  and  old  it  was  a  marvellous  thing; 
The  serpents  writhed  about  as  seeking  food, 
And  learned  men  to  see  the  wonder  came, 
And  sage  magicians  tried  to  charm  away 
That  dreadful  evil,  but  no  cure  was  found. 

Some  time  afterwards  Iblis  returned  to  Zohak,  but  in  the 
shape  of  a  physician,  and  told  him  that  it  was  according  to  his 
own  horoscope  that  he  suffered  in  this  manner — it  was,  in 
short,  his  destiny — and  that  the  serpents  would  continue  con- 
nected with  him  throughout  his  life,  involving  him  in  perpet- 
ual misery.  Zohak  sunk  into  despair,  upon  the  assurance  of 
there  being  no  remedy  for  him,  but  Iblis  again  roused  him 
by  saying,  that  if  the  serpents  were  fed  daily  with  human 
brains,  which  would  probably  kill  them,  his  life  might  be  pro- 
longed, and  made  easy. 

If  life  has  any  charm  for  thee, 

The  brain  of  man  their  food  must  be! 

With  the  adoption  of  this  deceitful  stratagem,  Iblis  was 
highly  pleased,  and  congratulated  himself  upon  the  success  of 
his  wicked  exertions,  thinking  that  in  this  manner  a  great 
portion  of  the  human  race  would  be  destroyed.  He  was  not 
aware  that  his  craft  and  cunning  had  no  influence  in  the  house 


16  FIRDUSI 

of  God;   and  that  the  descendants  of  Adam  are  continually 
increasing. 

When  the  people  of  Iran  and  Tiiran  heard  that  Zohak  kept 
near  him  two  devouring  serpents,  alarm  and  terror  spread 
everywhere,  and  so  universal  was  the  dread  produced  by  this 
intelligence,  that  the  nobles  of  Persia  were  induced  to  abandon 
their  allegiance  to  Jemshid,  and,  turning  through  fear  to 
Zohak,  confederated  with  the  Arab  troops  against  their  own 
country.  Jemshid  continued  for  some  time  to  resist  their  ef- 
forts, but  was  at  last  defeated,  and  became  a  wanderer  on  the 
face  of  the  earth. 

To  him  existence  was  a  burden  now, 
The  world  a  desert — for  Zohak  had  gained 
The  imperial  crown,  and  from  all  acts  and  deeds 
Of  royal  import,  razed  out  the  very  name 
.     Of  Jemshid  hateful  in  the  tyrant's  eyes. 

The  Persian  government  having  fallen  into  the  hands  of 
the  usurper,  he  sent  his  spies  in  every  direction  for  the  purpose 
of  getting  possession  of  Jemshid  wherever  he  might  be  found, 
but  their  labor  was  not  crowned  with  success.  The  unfortu- 
nate wanderer,  after  experiencing  numberless  misfortunes,  at 
length  took  refuge  in  Zabulistan. 

Flying  from  place  to  place,  through  wilderness, 
Wide  plain,  and  mountain,  veiled  from  human  eye, 
Hungry  and  worn  out  with  fatigue  and  sorrow, 
He  came  to  Zabul. 

The  king  of  Zabulistan,  whose  name  was  Gureng,  had  a 
daughter  of  extreme  beauty.  She  was  also  remarkable  for 
her  mental  endowments,  and  was  familiar  with  warlike  exer- 
cises. 

/    So  graceful  in  her  movements,  and  so  sweet, 
Her  very  look  plucked  from  the  breast  of  age 
The  root  of  sorrow — her  wine-sipping  lips, 
And  mouth  like  sugar,  cheeks  all  dimpled  o'er 
With  smiles,  and  glowing  as  the  summer  rose — 
Won  every  heart. 

This  damsel,  possessed  of  these  beauties  and  charms,  was 
accustomed  to  dress  herself  in  the  warlike  habiliments  of  a 
man,  and  to  combat  with  heroes.  She  was  then  only  fifteen 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  17 

years  of  age,  but  so  accomplished  in  valor,  judgment,  and 
discretion,  that  Minuchihr,  who  had  in  that  year  commenced 
hostile  operations  against  her  father,  was  compelled  to  relin- 
quish his  pretensions,  and  submit  to  the  gallantry  which  she 
displayed  on  that  occasion.  Her  father's  realm  was  saved  by 
her  magnanimity.  Many  kings  were  her  suitors,  but  Gureng 
would  not  give  his  consent  to  her  marriage  with  any  of  them. 
He  only  agreed  that  she  should  marry  the  sovereign  whom 
she  might  spontaneously  love. 

It  must  be  love,  and  love  alone,* 
That  binds  thee  to  another's  throne; 
In  this  my  father  has  no  voice, 
Thine  the  election,  thine  the  choice. 

The  daughter  of  Gureng  had  a  Kabul  woman  for  her  nurse, 
who  was  deeply  skilled  in  all  sorts  of  magic  and  sorcery. 

The  old  enchantress  well  could  say, 

What  would  befall  on  distant  day; 

And  by  her  art  omnipotent, 

Could  from  the  watery  element 

Draw  fire,  and  with  her  magic  breath, 

Seal  up  a  dragon's  eyes  in  death. 

Could  from  the  flint-stone  conjure  dew; 

The  moon  and  seven  stars  she  knew; 

And  of  all  things  invisible 

To  human  sight,  this  crone  could  tell. 

This  Kabul  sorceress  had  long  before  intimated  to  the  dam- 
sel that,  conformably  with  her  destiny,  which  had  been  dis- 
tinctly ascertained  from  the  motions  of  the  heavenly  bodies, 
she  would,  after  a  certain  time,  be  married  to  King  Jemshid, 

*  Love  at  first  sight,  and  of  the  most  Than    that    with    which    our    life    does 
enthusiastic    kind,    is    the    passion    de-  score: 

scribed  in  all  Persian  poems,  as  if  a  So,  though  my  life  be  short,  yet  I  may 
whole  life  of  love  were  condensed  into  prove, 

one   moment.     It  is   all   wild  and  rap-  The  Great  Methusalem  of  love!  !  ! 

turous.      It   has    nothing   of   a    rational  "  Love  and  Life." — Cowley. 

cast.    A  casual  glance  from  an  unknown 

beauty  often  affords  the  subject  of  a  The  odes  of  Hafiz  also,  with  all  their 
poem.  The  poets  whom  Dr.  Johnson  spirit  and  richness  of  expression, 
has  denominated  metaphysical,  such  as  abound  in  conceit  and  extravagant 
Donne,  Jonson,  and  Cowley,  bear  a  metaphor.  There  is,  however,  some- 
strong  resemblance  to  the  Persians  on  thing  very  beautiful  in  the  passage 
the  subject  of  love.  which  may  be  paraphrased  thus: 

Now,    sure,    within    this    twelvemonth  Zephyr  thro"  thy  locks  is  straying, 

past,  Stealing   fragrance,   charms   displaying; 

I've  loved  at  least   some  twenty   years  Should  it  pass  where  Hafiz  lies, 

or  more;  From  his  conscious  dust  would  rise, 

Th'  account   of  love  runs  much   more  Flowrets  of  a  thousand  dyes! 
fast, 

VOL.  I.— 2 


i8  FIRDUSI 

and  bear  him  a  beautiful  son.  The  damsel  was  overjoyed  at 
these  tidings,  and  her  father  received  them  with  equal  pleasure, 
refusing  in  consequence  the  solicitations  of  every  other  suitor. 
Now  according  to  the  prophecy,  Jemshid  arrived  at  the  city  of 
Zabul  in  the  spring  season,  when  the  roses  were  in  bloom ; 
and  it  so  happened  that  the  garden  of  King  Giireng  was  in 
the  way,  and  also  that  his  daughter  was  amusing  herself  at 
the  time  in  the  garden.  Jemshid  proceeded  in  that  direction, 
but  the  keepers  of  the  garden  would  not  allow  him  to  pass, 
and  therefore,  fatigued  and  dispirited,  he  sat  down  by  the 
garden-door  under  the  shade  of  a  tree.  Whilst  he  was  sitting 
there  a  slave-girl  chanced  to  come  out  of  the  garden,  and, 
observing  him,  was  surprised  at  his  melancholy  and  forlorn 
condition.  She  said  to  him  involuntarily:  "  Who  art  thou?  " 
and  Jemshid  raising  up  his  eyes,  replied : — "  I  was  once  pos- 
sessed of  wealth  and  lived  in  great  affluence,  but  I  am  now 
abandoned  by  fortune,  and  have  come  from  a  distant  country. 
Would  to  heaven  I  could  be  blessed  with  a  few  cups  of  wine, 
my  fatigue  and  affliction  might  then  be  relieved."  The  girl 
smiled,  and  returned  hastily  to  the  princess,  and  told  her  that 
a  young  man,  wearied  with  travelling,  was  sitting  at  the  gar- 
den gate,  whose  countenance  was  more  lovely  even  than  that 
of  her  mistress,  and  who  requested  to  have  a  few  cups  of  wine. 
When  the  damsel  heard  such  high  praise  of  the  stranger's  feat- 
ures she  was  exceedingly  pleased,  and  said :  "  He  asks  only 
for  wine,  but  I  will  give  him  both  wine  and  music,  and  a  beau- 
tiful mistress  beside." 

This  saying,  she  repaired  towards  the  gate, 

In  motion  graceful  as  the  waving  cypress, 

Attended  by  her  hand-maid;   seeing  him, 

She  thought  he  was  a  warrior  of  Iran 

With  spreading  shoulders,  and  his  loins  well  bound. 

His  visage  pale  as  the  pomegranate  flower, 

He  looked  like  light  in  darkness.    Warm  emotions 

Rose  in  her  heart,  and  softly  thus  she  spoke: 

"  Grief-broken  stranger,  rest  thee  underneath 

These  shady  bowers;  if  wine  can  make  thee  glad, 

Enter  this  pleasant  place,  and  drink  thy  fill." 

Whilst  the  damsel  was  still  speaking  and  inviting  Jemshid 
into  the  garden,  he  looked  at  her  thoughtfully,  and  hesitated ; 
i  and  she  said  to  him :  "  Why  do  you  hesitate  ?  I  am  permitted 
'  by  my  father  to  do  what  I  please,  and  my  heart  is  my  own. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  19 

"  Stranger,  my  father  is  the  monarch  mild 
Of  Zabulistan,  and  I  his  only  child; 
On  me  is  all  his  fond  affection  shown; 
My  wish  is  his,  on  me  he  dotes  alone." 

Jemshid  had  before  heard  of  the  character  and  renown  of 
this  extraordinary  damsel,  yet  he  was  not  disposed  to  com- 
ply with  her  entreaty;  but  contemplating  again  her  lovely 
face,  his  heart  became  enamoured,  when  she  took  him  by  the 
hand  and  led  him  along  the  beautiful  walks. 

'  With  dignity  and  elegance  she  passed — 
As  moves  the  mountain  partridge  through  the  meads; 
Her  tresses  richly  falling  to  her  feet, 
And  filling  with  perfume  the  softened  breeze. 

In  their  promenade  they  arrived  at  the  basin  of  a  fountain, 
near  which  they  seated  themselves  upon  royal  carpets,  and  the 
damsel  having  placed  Jemshid  in  such  a  manner  that  they 
might  face  each  other,  she  called  for  music  and  wine. 

But  first  the  rose-cheeked  handmaids  gathered  round, 
And  washed  obsequiously  the  stranger's  feet; 
Then  on  the  margin  of  the  silvery  lake 
Attentive  sate. 

The  youth,  after  this,  readily  took  the  wine  and  refreshments 
which  were  ordered  by  the  princess. 

Three  cups  he  drank  with  eager  zest, 

Three  cups  of  ruby  wine; 
Which  banished  sorrow  from  his  breast, 

For  memory  left  no  sign 
Of  past  affliction;    not  a  trace 
Remained  upon  his  heart,  or  smiling  face. 

Whilst  he  was  drinking,  the  princess  observed  his  peculiar 
action  and  elegance  of  manner,  and  instantly  said  in  her  heart : 
"  This  must  be  a  king !  "  She  then  offered  him  some  more 
food,  as  he  had  come  a  long  journey,  and  from  a  distant  land, 
but  he  only  asked  for  more  wine.  "  Is  your  fondness  for  wine 
so  great  ?  "  said  she.  And  he  replied :  "  With  wine  I  have  no 
enemy ;  yet,  without  it  I  can  be  resigned  and  contented. 


i 


Whilst  drinking  wine  I  never  see 
The  frowning  face  of  my  enemy; 


20  FIRDUSI 

Drink  freely  of  the  grape,  and  nought 
Can  give  the  soul  one  mournful  thought; 
Wine  is  a  bride  of  witching  power, 
And  wisdom  is  her  marriage  dower; 
Wine  can  the  purest  joy  impart, 
Wine  inspires  the  saddest  heart; 
Wine  gives  cowards  valour's  rage, 
Wine  gives  youth  to  tottering  age; 
Wine  gives  vigour  to  the  weak, 
And  crimson  to  the  pallid  cheek; 
And  dries  up  sorrow,  as  the  sun 
Absorbs  the  dew  it  shines  upon." 

From  the  voice  and  eloquence  of  the  speaker  she  now  con- 
jectured that  this  certainly  must  be  King  Jemshid,  and  she 
felt  satisfied  that  her  notions  would  soon  be  realized.  At  this 
moment  she  recollected  that  there  was  a  picture  of  Jemshid 
in  her  father's  gallery,  and  thought  of  sending  for  it  to  com- 
pare the  features;  but  again  she  considered  that  the  person 
before  her  was  certainly  and  truly  Jemshid,  and  that  the  pict- 
ure would  be  unnecessary  on  the  occasion. 

It  is  said  that  two  ring-doves,  a  male  and  female,  happened 
to  alight  on  the  garden  wall  near  the  fountain  where  they  were 
sitting,  and  began  billing  and  cooing  in  amorous  play,  so  that 
seeing  them  together  in  such  soft  intercourse,  blushes  over- 
spread the  cheeks  of  the  princess,  who  immediately  called  for 
her  bow  and  arrows.  When  they  were  brought  she  said  to 
Jemshid,  "  Point  out  which  of  them  I  shall  hit,  and  I  will 
bring  it  to  the  ground."  Jemshid  replied :  "  Where  a  man  is, 
a  woman's  aid  is  not  required — give  me  the  bow,  and  mark  my 
skill; 

However  brave  a  woman  may  appear, 
Whatever  strength  of  arm  she  may  possess, 
She  is  but  half  a  man !  " 

Upon  this  observation  being  made,  the  damsel  turned  her 
head  aside  ashamed,  and  gave  him  the  bow.  Her  heart  was 
full  of  love.  Jemshid  took  the  bow,  and  selecting  a  feathered 
arrow  out  of  her  hand,  said : — "  Now  for  a  wager.  If  I  hit  the 
female,  shall  the  lady  whom  I  most  admire  in  this  company 
be  mine?"  The  damsel  assented.  Jemshid  drew  the  string, 
and  the  arrow  struck  the  female  dove  so  skilfully  as  to  transfix 
both  the  wings,  and  pin  them  together.  The  male  ring-dove 
flew  away,  but  moved  by  natural  affection  it  soon  returned, 


THE   SHAH    N^MEH 


21 


and  settled  on  the  same  spot  as  before.  The  bow  was  said  to 
be  so  strong  that  there  was  not  a  warrior  in  the  whole  king- 
dom who  could  even  draw  the  string;  and  when  the  damsel 
witnessed  the  dexterity  of  the  stranger,  and  the  ease  with  which 
he  used  the  weapon,  she  thought  within  her  heart,  "  There  can 
be  no  necessity  for  the  picture ;  I  am  certain  that  this  can  be 
no  other  than  the  King  Jemshid,  the  son  of  Tahumers,  called 
the  Binder  of  Demons."  Then  she  took  the  bow  from  the  hand 
of  Jemshid,  and  observed :  "  The  male  bird  has  returned  to 
its  former  place,  if  my  aim  be  successful  shall  the  man  whom 
I  choose  in  this  company  be  my  husband  ? "  Jemshid  in- 
stantly understood  her  meaning.  At  that  moment  the  Kabul 
nurse  appeared,  and  the  young  princess  communicated  to  her 
all  that  had  occurred.  The  nurse  leisurely  examined  Jemshid 
from  head  to  foot  with  a  slave-purchaser's  eye,  and  knew  him, 
and  said  to  her  mistress — "  All  that  I  saw  in  thy  horoscope 
and  foretold,  is  now  in  the  course  of  fulfilment.  God  has 
brought  Jemshid  hither  to  be  thy  spouse.  Be  not  regardless 
I  of  thy  good  fortune,  and  the  Almighty  will  bless  thee  with  a 
son,  who  will  be  the  conqueror  of  the  world.  The  signs  and 
tokens  of  thy  destiny  I  have  already  explained."  The  dam- 
sel had  become  greatly  enamoured  of  the  person  of  the  stranger 
before  she  knew  who  he  was,  and  now  being  told  by  her  nurse 
that  he  was  Jemshid  himself,  her  affection  was  augmented  two- 
fold. 

The  happy  tidings,  blissful  to  her  heart, 
Increased  the  ardour  of  her  love  for  him. 

And  now  the  picture  was  brought  to  the  princess,  who,  find- 
ing the  resemblance  exact,  put  it  into  Jemshid's  hand.  Jem- 
shid, in  secretly  recognizing  his  own  likeness,  was  forcibly 
reminded  of  his  past  glory  and  happiness,  and  he  burst  into 
tears. 

The  memory  of  the  diadem  and  throne 

No  longer  his,  came  o'er  him,  and  his  soul 

Was  rent  with  anguish. 

The  princess  said  to  him :  "  Why  at  the  commencement  of 
our  friendship  dost  thou  weep?  Art  thou  discontented — dis- 
satisfied, unhappy?  and  am  I  the  cause?"  Jemshid  replied: 
"  No,  it  is  simply  this ;  those  who  have  feeling,  and  pity  the 
sufferings  of  others,  weep  involuntarily.  I  pity  the  misfort- 


22  FIRDUSI 

unes  of  Jemshid,  driven  as  he  is  by  adversity  from  the  splendor 
of  a  throne,  and  reduced  to  a  state  of  destitution  and  ruin. 
But  he  must  now  be  dead;  devoured,  perhaps,  by  the  wolves 
and  lions  of  the  forest."  The  nurse  and  princess,  however, 
were  convinced,  from  the  sweetness  of  his  voice  and  discourse, 
that  he  could  be  no  other  than  Jemshid  himself,  and  taking 
him  aside,  they  said:  "  Speak  truly,  art  thou  not  Jemshid?  " 
But  he  denied  himself.  Again,  they  observed :  "  What  says 
this  picture?  "  To  this  he  replied ;  "  It  is  not  impossible  that  I 
may  be  like  Jemshid  in  feature ;  for  surely  there  may  be  in 
the  world  two  men  like  each  other?"  And  notwithstanding 
all  the  efforts  made  by  the  damsel  and  her  nurse  to  induce 
Jemshid  to  confess,  he  still  resolutely  denied  himself.  Several 
times  she  assured  him  she  would  keep  his  secret,  if  he  had  one, 
but  that  she  was  certain  of  his  being  Jemshid.  Still  he  denied 
himself.  "  This  nurse  of  mine,  whom  thou  seest,"  said  she, 
"  has  often  repeated  to  me  the  good  tidings  that  I  should  be 
united  to  Jemshid,  and  bear  him  a  son.  My  heart  instinct- 
ively acknowledged  thee  at  first  sight:  then  wherefore  this 
denial  of  the  truth?  Many  kings  have  solicited  my  hand  in 
marriage,  but  all  have  been  rejected,  as  I  am  destined  to  be 
thine,  and  united  to  no  other."  Dismissing  now  all  her  at- 
tendants, she  remained  with  the  nurse  and  Jemshid,  and  then 
resumed : — 

"  How  long  hath  sleep  forsaken  me?  how  long 
Hath  my  fond  heart  been  kept  awake  by  love? 
Hope  still  upheld  me — give  me  one  kind  look, 
And  I  will  sacrifice  my  life  for  thee; 
Come,  take  my  life,  for  it  is  thine  'or  ever." 

Saying  this,  the  damsel  began  to  weep,  and  shedding  a  flood 
of  tears,  tenderly  reproached  him  for  not  acknowledging  the 
truth.  Jemshid  was  at  length  moved  by  her  affection  and  sor- 
row, and  thus  addressed  her : — "  There  are  two  considerations 
which  at  present  prevent  the  truth  being  told.  One  of  them  is 
my  having  a  powerful  enemy,  and  Heaven  forbid  that  he 
should  obtain  information  of  my  place  of  refuge.  The  other 
is,  I  never  intrust  my  secrets  to  a  woman ! 

Fortune  I  dread,  since  fortune  is  my  foe, 
And  womankind  are  seldom  known  to  keep 
Another's  secret.    To  be  poor  and  safe, 
Is  better  far  than  wealth  exposed  to  peril." 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  23 

To  this  the  princess:   "  Is  it  so  decreed, 

That  every  woman  has  two  tongues,  two  hearts? 

All  false  alike,  their  tempers  all  the  same? 

No,  no!    could  I  disloyally  betray  thee? 

I  who  still  love  thee  better  than  my  life?  " 

Jemshid  found  it  impossible  to  resist  the  damsel's  incessant 
entreaties  and  persuasive  tenderness,  mingled  as  they  were  with 
tears  of  sorrow.  Vanquished  thus  by  the  warmth  of  her  affec- 
tions, he  told  her  his  name,  and  the  history  of  his  misfortunes. 
She  then  ardently  seized  his  hand,  overjoyed  at  the  disclosure, 
and  taking  him  privately  to  her  own  chamber,  they  were  mar- 
ried according  to  the  customs  of  her  country. 

Him  to  the  secret  bower  with  blushing  cheek 
Exultingly  she  led,  and  mutual  bliss, 
Springing  from  mutual  tenderness  and  love, 
Entranced  their  souls. 

When  Gureng  the  king  found  that  his  daughter's  visits  to 
him  became  less  frequent  than  usual,  he  set  his  spies  to  work, 
and  was  not  long  in  ascertaining  the  cause  of  her  continued 
absence.  She  had  married  without  his  permission,  and  he  was 
in  great  wrath.  It  happened,  too,  at  this  time  that  the  bride 
was  pale  and  in  delicate  health. 

The  mystery  soon  was  manifest, 

And  thus  the  king  his  child  addrest, 

Whilst  anger  darkened  o'er  his  brow: — 

"  What  hast  thou  done,  ungrateful,  now? 

Why  hast  thou  flung,  in  evil  day, 

The  veil  of  modesty  away? 

That  cheek  the  bloom  of  spring  displayed, 

Now  all  is  withered,  all  decayed; 

But  daughters,  as  the  wise  declare, 

Are  ever  false,  if  they  be  fair." 

Incensed  at  words  so  sharp  and  strong, 
The  damsel  thus  repelled  the  wrong: — 
"  Me,  father,  canst  thou  justly  blame? 
I  never,  never,  brought  thee  shame; 
With  me  can  sin  and  crime  accord, 
When  Jemshid  is  my  wedded  lord?  " 

After  this  precipitate  avowal,  the  Kabul  nurse,  of  many 
spells,  instantly  took  up  her  defence,  and  informed  the  king 
that  the  prophecy  she  had  formerly  communicated  to  him  was 


24  FIRDUSI 

on  the  point  of  fulfilment,  and  that  the  Almighty  having,  in 
the  course  of  destiny,  brought  Jemshid  into  his  kingdom,  the 
princess,  according  to  the  same  planetary  influence,  would 
shortly  become  a  mother. 

And  now  the  damsel  grovels  on  the  ground 

Before  King  Giireng.     "  Well  thou  know'st,"  she  cries, 

"  From  me  no  evil  comes.     Whether  in  arms, 

Or  at  the  banquet,  honour  guides  me  still: 

And  well  thou  know'st  thy  royal  will  pronounced 

That  I  should  be  unfettered  in  my  choice, 

And  free  to  take  the  husband  I  preferred. 

This  I  h'ive  done;   and  to  the  greatest  king 

The  world  can  boast,  my  fortunes  are  united, 

To  Jemshid,  the  most  perfect  of  mankind." 

With  this  explanation  the  king  expressed  abundant  and  un- 
usual satisfaction.  His  satisfaction,  however,  did  not  arise 
from  the  circumstance  of  the  marriage,  and  the  new  connec- 
tion it  established,  but  from  the  opportunity  it  afforded  him 
of  betraying  Jemshid,  and  treacherously  sending  him  bound  to 
Zohak,  which  he  intended  to  do,  in  the  hopes  of  being  mag- 
nificently rewarded.  Exulting  with  this  anticipation,  he  said 
to  her  smiling : — 

"  Glad  tidings  thou  hast  given  to  me, 
My  glory  owes  its  birth  to  thee; 
I  bless  the  day,  and  bless  the  hour, 
Which  placed  this  Jemshid  in  my  power. 
Nr  jv  to  Zohak,  a  captive  bound, 
I  send  the  wanderer  thou  hast  found; 
For  he  who  charms  the  monarch's  eyes, 
With  this  long-sought,  this  noble  prize, 
On  solemn  word  and  oath,  obtains 
A  wealthy  kingdom  for  his  pains." 

On  hearing  these  cruel  words  the  damsel  groaned,  and  wept 
exceedingly  before  her  father,  and  said  to  him :   "  O,  be  not 
accessory  to  the  murder  of  such  a  king !    Wealth,  and  king-  , 
doms  pass  away,  but  a  bad  name  remains  till  the  day  of  doom. 

Turn  thee,  my  father,  from  this  dreadful  thought, 
And  save  his  sacred  blood:   let  not  thy  name 
Be  syllabled  with  horror  through  the  world, 
For  such  an  act  as  this.    When  foes  are  slain, 
It  is  enough,  but  keep  the  sword  away 
From  friends  and  kindred;  shun  domestic  crime. 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  25 

Fear  him  who  giveth  life,  and  strength,  and  power, 

For  goodness  is  most  blessed.     On  the  day 

Of  judgment  thou  wilt  then  be  unappalled. 

But  if  determined  to  divide  us,  first 

Smite  off  this  head,  and  let  thy  daughter  die." 

So  deep  and  violent  was  the  grief  of  the  princess,  and  her 
lamentations  so  unceasing,  that  the  father  became  softened 
into  compassion,  and,  on  her  account,  departed  from  the  reso- 
lution he  had  made.  He  even  promised  to  furnish  Jemshid 
with  possessions,  with  treasure,  and  an  army,  and  requested 
her  to  give  him  the  consolation  he  required,  adding  that  he 
would  see  him  in  the  morning  in  his  garden. 

The  heart-alluring  damsel  instant  flew 
To  tell  the  welcome  tidings  to  her  lord. 

Next  day  King  Gureng  proceeded  to  the  garden,  and  had 
an  interview  with  Jemshid,  to  whom  he  expressed  the  warm- 
est favor  and  affection ;  but  notwithstanding  all  he  said,  Jem- 
shid could  place  no  confidence  in  his  professions,  and  was 
anxious  to  effect  his  escape.  He  was,  indeed,  soon  convinced 
of  his  danger,  for  he  had  a  private  intimation  that  the  king's 
vizirs  were  consulting  together  on  the  expedience  of  securing 
his  person,  under  the  apprehension  that  Zohak  would  be  in- 
vading the  country,  and  consigning  it  to  devastation  and  ruin, 
if  his  retreat  was  discovered.  He  therefore  took  to  flight. 

Jemshid  first  turned  his  steps  towards  Chin,,  and  afterwards 
into  Ind.  He  had  travelled  a  great  distance  in  that  beautiful 
country,  and  one  day  came  to  a  tower,  under  whose  shadow 
he  sought  a  little  repose,  for  the  thoughts  of  his  melancholy 
and  disastrous  condition  kept  him  almost  constantly  awake. 

And  am  I  thus  to  perish?    Thus  forlorn, 
To  mingle  with  the  dust?    Almighty  God! 
Was  ever  mortal  born  to  such  a  fate, 
A  fate  so  sad  as  mine!     O  that  I  never 
Had  drawn  the  breath  of  life,  to  perish  thus! 

Exhausted  by  the  keenness  of  his  affliction  Jemshid  at  length 
fell  asleep.  Zohak,  in  the  meanwhile,  had  despatched  an  en- 
voy, with  an  escort  of  troops,  to  the  Khakan  of  Chin,  and  at 
that  moment  the  cavalcade  happened  to  be  passing  by  the 
tower  where  Jemshid  was  reposing.  The  envoy,  attracted  to 


26  FIRDUSI 

the  spot,  immediately  recognized  him,  and  awakening  him  to 
a  sense  of  this  new  misfortune,  secured  the  despairing  and 
agonized  wanderer,  and  sent  him  to  Zohak. 

He  saw  a  person  sleeping  on  the  ground, 
And  knew  that  it  was  Jemshid.     Overjoyed, 
He  bound  his  feet  with  chains,  and  mounted  him 
Upon  a  horse,  a  prisoner. 

What  a  world! 

No  place  of  rest  for  man !     Fix  not  thy  heart, 
Vain  mortal!   on  this  tenement  of  life, 
On  earthly  pleasures;  think  of  Jemshid's  fate; 
His  glory  reached  the  Heavens,  and  now  this  world 
Has  bound  the  valiant  monarch's  limbs  in  fetters, 
And  placed  its  justice  in  the  hands  of  slaves. 

When  Zohak  received  intelligence  of  the  apprehension  of 
his  enemy,  he  ordered  him  to  be  brought  before  the  throne 
that  he  might  enjoy  the  triumph. 

All  fixed  their  gaze  upon  the  captive  king, 

Loaded  with  chains;   his' hands  behind  his  back; 

The  ponderous  fetters  passing  from  his  neck 

Down  to  his  feet;   oppressed  with  shame  he  stood, 

Like  the  narcissus  bent  with  heavy  dew. 

Zohak  received  him  with  a  scornful  smile, 

Saying,  "  Where  is  thy  diadem,  thy  throne, 

Where  is  thy  kingdom,  where  thy  sovereign  rule; 

Thy  laws  and  royal  ordinances — where, 

Where  are  they  now?    What  change  is  this  that  fate 

Has  wrought  upon  thee?  "    Jemshid  thus  rejoined: 

"  Unjustly  am  I  brought  in  chains  before  thee, 

Betrayed,  insulted — thou  the  cause  of  all, 

And  yet  thou  wouldst  appear  to  feel  my  wrongs!  " 

Incensed  at  this  defiance,  mixed  with  scorn, 

Fiercely  Zohak  replied,  "  Then  choose  thy  death; 

Shall  I  behead  thee,  stab  thee,  or  impale  thee, 

Or  with  an  arrow's  point  transfix  thy  heart! 

What  is  thy  choice?" — 

"  Since  I  am  in  thy  power, 

Do  with  me  what  thou  wilt — why  should  I  dread 
Thy  utmost  vengeance,  why  express  a  wish 
To  save  my  body  from  a  moment's  pain !  " 

As  soon  as  Zohak  heard  these  words  he  resolved  upon  a 
horrible  deed  of  vengeance.  He  ordered  two  planks  to  be 
brought,  and  Jemshid  being  fastened  down  between  them,  his 
body  was  divided  the  whole  length  with  a  saw,  making  two 
figures  of  Jemshid  out  of  one ! 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  27 

Why  do  mankind  upon  this  fleeting  world 

Place  their  affections,  wickedness  alone 

Is  nourished  into  freshness;  sounds  of  death,  too, 

Are  ever  on  the  gale  to  wear  out  life. 

My  heart  is  satisfied — O  Heaven!   no  more, 

Free  me  at  once  from  this  continual  sorrow. 

It  was  not  long  before  tidings  of  the  foul  proceedings,  which 
put  an  end  to  the  existence  of  the  unfortunate  Jemshid,  reached 
Zabulistan.  The  princess,  his  wife,  on  hearing  of  his  fate, 
wasted  away  with  inconsolable  grief,  and  at  last  took  poison 
to  unburden  herself  of  insupportable  affliction. 

It  is  related  that  Jemshid  had  two  sisters,  named  Shahrnaz 
and  Arnawaz.  They  had  been  both  seized,  and  conveyed  to 
Zohak  by  his  people,  and  continued  in  confinement  for  some 
time  in  the  King's  harem,  but  they  were  afterwards  released  by 
Feridun. 

The  tyrant's  cruelty  and  oppression  had  become  intolerable. 
He  was  constantly  shedding  blood,  and  committing  every  spe- 
cies of  crime. 

The  serpents  still  on  human  brains  were  fed, 
And  every  day  two  youthful  victims  bled; 
The  sword,  still  ready — thirsting  still  to  strike, 
Warrior  and  slave  were  sacrificed  alike. 

The  career  of  Zohak  himself,  however,  was  not  unvisited  by 
terrors.  One  night  he  dreamt  that  he  was  attacked  by  three 
warriors  ;  two  of  them  of  large  stature,  and  one  of  them  small. 
The  youngest  struck  him  a  blow  on  the  head  with  his  mace, 
bound  his  hands,  and  casting  a  rope  round  his  neck,  dragged 
him  along  in  the  presence  of  crowds  of  people.  Zohak 
screamed,  and  sprung  up  from  his  sleep  in  the  greatest  horror. 
The  females  of  his  harem  were  filled  with  amazement  when 
they  beheld  the  terrified  countenance  of  the  king,  who,  in  re- 
ply to  their  inquiries,  said,  trembling :  "  This  is  a  dream  too 
dreadful  to  be  concealed."  He  afterwards  called  together  the 
Mubids,  or  wise  men  of  his  court ;  and  having  communicated 
to  them  the  particulars  of  what  had  appeared  to  him  in  his 
sleep,  commanded  them  to  give  him  a  faithful  interpretation 
of  the  dream.  The  Mubids  foresaw  in  this  vision  the  approach- 
ing declension  of  his  power  and  dominion,  but  were  afraid  to 
explain  their  opinions,  because  they  were  sure  that  their  lives 


28  FIRDUSI 

would  be  sacrificed  if  the  true  interpretation  was  given  to  him. 
Three  days  were  consumed  under  the  pretence  of  studying 
more  scrupulously  all  the  signs  and  appearances,  and  still  not 
one  of  them  had  courage  to  speak  out.  On  the  fourth  day 
the  king  grew  angry,  and  insisted  upon  the  dream  being  in- 
terpreted. In  this  dilemma,  the  Mubids  said,  "  Then,  if  the 
truth  must  be  told,  without  evasion,  thy  life  approaches  to  an 
end,  and  Feridun,  though  yet  unborn,  will  be  thy  successor." — 
"  But  who  was  it,"  inquired  Zohak  impatiently,  "  that  struck 
the  blow  on  my  head  ?  "  The  Mubids  declared,  with  fear  and 
trembling,  "  it  was  the  apparition  of  Feridun  himself,  who  is 
destined  to  smite  thee  on  the  head." — "  But  why,"  rejoined 
Zohak,  "  does  he  wish  to  injure  me?  " — "  Because,  his  father's 
blood  being  spilt  by  thee,  vengeance  falls  into  his  hands." 
Hearing  this  interpretation  of  his  dream,  the  king  sunk  sense- 
less on  the  ground ;  and  when  he  recovered,  he  could  neither 
sleep  nor  take  food,  but  continued  overwhelmed  with  sorrow 
and  misery.  The  light  of  his  day  was  forever  darkened. 

Abtin  was  the  name  of  Feridun's  father,  and  that  of  his 
mother  Faranuk,  of  the  race  of  Tahumers.  Zohak,  therefore, 
stimulated  to  further  cruelty  by  the  prophecy,  issued  an  order 
that  every  person  belonging  to  the  family  of  the  Kais,  wherever 
found,  should  be  seized  and  fettered,  and  brought  to  him. 
Abtin  had  long  avoided  discovery,  continuing  to  reside  in  the 
most  retired  and  solitary  places ;  but  one  day  his  usual  cir- 
cumspection forsook  him,  and  he  ventured  beyond  his  limits. 
This  imprudent  step  was  dreadfully  punished,  for  the  spies  of 
Zohak  fell  in  with  him,  recognized  him,  and  carrying  him  to 
the  king,  he  was  immediately  put  to  death.  When  the  mother 
of  Feridun  heard  of  this  sanguinary  catastrophe,  she  took  up 
her  infant  and  fled.  It  is  said  that  Feridun  was  at  that  time 
only  two  months  old.  In  her  flight,  the  mother  happened  to 
arrive  at  some  pasturage  ground.  The  keeper  of  the  pasture 
had  a  cow  named  Pur'maieh,  which  yielded  abundance  of  milk, 
and  he  gave  it  away  in  charity.  In  consequence  of  the  grief 
and  distress  of  mind  occasioned  by  the  murder  of  her  husband, 
Faranuk's  milk  dried  up  in  her  breasts,  and  she  was  therefore 
under  the  necessity  of  feeding  the  child  with  the  milk  from 
the  cow.  She  remained  there  one  night,  and  would  have  de- 
parted in  the  morning ;  but  considering  the  deficiency  of  milk, 
and  the  misery  in  which  she  was  involved,  continually  afraid 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  29 

of  being  discovered  and  known,  she  did  not  know  what  to  do. 
At  length  she  thought  it  best  to  leave  Feridun  with  the  keeper 
of  the  pasture,  and  resigning  him  to  the  protection  of  God, 
went  herself  to  the  mountain  Alberz.  The  keeper  readily  com- 
plied with  the  tenderest  wishes  of  the  mother,  and  nourished 
the  child  with  the  fondness  and  affection  of  a  parent  during 
the  space  of  three  years.  After  that  period  had  elapsed,  deep 
sorrow  continuing  to  afflict  the  mind  of  Faranuk,  she  returned 
secretly  to  the  old  man  of  the  pasture,  for  the  purpose  of  re- 
claiming and  conveying  Feridun  to  a  safer  place  of  refuge 
upon  the  mountain  Alberz.  The  keeper  said  to  her :  "  Why 
dost  thou  take  the  child  to  the  mountain?  he  will  perish 
there ;  "  but  she  replied  that  God  Almighty  had  inspired  a  feel- 
ing in  her  heart  that  it  was  necessary  to  remove  him.  It  was 
a  divine  inspiration,  and  verified  by  the  event. 

Intelligence  having  at  length  reached  Zohak  that  the  son 
of  Abtin  was  nourished  and  protected  by  the  keeper  of  the 
pasture,  he  himself  proceeded  with  a  large  force  to  the  spot, 
where  he  put  to  death  the  keeper  and  all  his  tribe,  and  also 
the  cow  which  had  supplied  milk  to  Feridun,  whom  he  sought 
for  in  vain. 

He  found  the  dwelling  of  his  infant-foe, 
And  laid  it  in  the  dust;  the  very  ground 
Was  punished  for  the  sustenance  it  gave  him. 

The  ancient  records  relate  that  a  dervish  happened  to  have 
taken  up  his  abode  in  the  mountain  Alberz,  and  that  Faranuk 
committed  her  infant  to  his  fostering  care.  The  dervish  gener- 
ously divided  with  the  mother  and  son  all  the  food  and  com- 
forts which  God  gave  him,  and  at  the  same  time  he  took  great 
pains  in  storing  the  mind  of  Feridun  with  various  kinds  of 
knowledge.  One  day  he  said  to  the  mother :  "  The  person 
foretold  by  wise  men  and  astrologers  as  the  destroyer  of  Zohak 
and  his  tyranny,  is  thy  son ! 

This  child  to  whom  thou  gavest  birth, 
Will  be  the  monarch  of  the  earth; " 

and  the  mother,  from  several  concurring  indications  and  signs, 
held  a  similar  conviction. 

When  Feridun  had  attained  his  sixteenth  year,  he  descended 
from  the  mountain,  and  remained  for  a  time  on  the  plain  be- 


3o  FIRDUSI 

neath.  He  inquired  of  his  mother  why  Zohak  had  put  his 
father  to  death,  and  Faranuk  then  told  him  the  melancholy 
story;  upon  hearing  which,  he  resolved  to  be  revenged  on 
the  tyrant.  His  mother  endeavored  to  divert  him  from  his 
determination,  observing  that  he  was  young,  friendless,  and 
alone,  whilst  his  enemy  was  the  master  of  the  world,  and  sur- 
rounded by  armies.  "  Be  not  therefore  precipitate,"  said  she. 
"  If  it  is  thy  destiny  to  become  a  king,  wait  till  the  Almighty 
shall  bless  thee  with  means  sufficient  for  the  purpose." 

Displeased,  the  youth  his  mother's  caution  heard, 
And  meditating  vengeance  on  the  head 
Of  him  who  robbed  him  of  a  father,  thus 
Impatiently  replied: — "  'Tis  Heaven  inspires  me; 
Led  on  by  Heaven,  this  arm  will  quickly  bring 
The  tyrant  from  his  palace,  to  the  dust." 
"  Imprudent  boy!  "  the  anxious  mother  said; 
"  Canst  thou  contend  against  imperial  power? 
Must  I  behold  thy  ruin?     Pause  awhile, 
And  perish  not  in  this  wild  enterprise." 

It  is  recorded  that  Zohak's  dread  of  Feridun  was  so  great, 
that  day  by  day  he  became  more  irritable,  wasting  away  in 
bitterness  of  spirit,  for  people  of  all  ranks  kept  continually  talk- 
ing of  the  young  invader,  and  were  daily  expecting  his  ap- 
proach. At  last  he  came,  and  Zohak  was  subdued,  and  his 
power  extinguished. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  31 


KAVAH,  THE   BLACKSMITH 

ZOHAK  having  one  day  summoned  together  all  the  nobles 
and  philosophers  of  the  kingdom,  he  said  to  them :  "  I 
find  that  a  young  enemy  has  risen  up  against  me ;  but 
notwithstanding  his  tender  years,  there  is  no  safety  even  with 
an  apparently  insignificant  foe.  I  hear,  too,  that  though 
young,  he  is  distinguished  for  his  prowess  and  wisdom ;  yet 
I  fear  not  him,  but  the  change  of  fortune.  I  wish  therefore 
to  assemble  a  large  army,  consisting  of  Men,  Demons,  and 
Peris,  that  this  enemy  may  be  surrounded,  and  conquered. 
And,  further,  since  a  great  enterprise  is  on  the  eve  of  being 
undertaken,  it  will  be  proper  in  future  to  keep  a  register  or 
muster-roll  of  all  the  people  of  every  age  in  my  dominions, 
and  have  it  revised  annually."  The  register,  including  both 
old  and  young,  was  accordingly  prepared. 

At  that  period  there  lived  a  man  named  Kavah,  a  black- 
smith, remarkably  strong  and  brave,  and  who  had  a  large 
family.  Upon  the  day  on  which  it  fell  to  the  lot  of  two  of 
his  children  to  be  killed  to  feed  the  serpents,  he  rose  up  with 
indignation  in  presence  of  the  king,  and  said : 

"  Thou  art  the  king,  but  wherefore  on  my  head 
Cast  fire  and  ashes?   If  thou  hast  the  form 
Of  hissing  dragon,  why  to  me  be  cruel? 
Why  give  the  brains  of  my  beloved  children 
As  serpent-food,  and  talk  of  doing  justice?  " 

At  this  bold  speech  the  monarch  was  dismayed, 
And  scarcely  knowing  what  he  did,  released 
The  blacksmith's  sons.     How  leapt  the  father's  heart, 
How  warmly  he  embraced  his  darling  boys! 
But  now  Zohak  directs  that  Kavah's  name 
Shall  be  inscribed  upon  the  register. 
Soon  as  the  blacksmith  sees  it  written  there, 
Wrathful  he  turns  towards  the  chiefs  assembled, 
Exclaiming  loud:   "  Are  ye  then  men,  or  what, 
Leagued  with  a  Demon!  "    All  astonished  heard, 
And  saw  him  tear  the  hated  register, 
And  cast  it  under  foot  with  rage  and  scorn. 

Kavah  having  thus  reviled  the  king  bitterly,  and  destroyed 
the  register  of  blood,  departed  from  the  court,  and  took  his 


32 


FIRDUSI 


children  along  with  him.    After  he  had  gone  away,  the  nobles 
said  to  the  king : 

"  Why  should  reproaches,  sovereign  of  the  world. 
Be  thus  permitted?    Why  the  royal  scroll 
Torn  in  thy  presence,  with  a  look  and  voice 
Of  proud  defiance,  by  the  rebel  blacksmith? 
So  fierce  his  bearing,  that  he  seems  to  be 
A  bold  confederate  of  this  Feridun." 
Zohak  replied:  "  I  know  not  what  o'ercame  me, 
But  when  I  saw  him  with  such  vehemence 
Of  grief  and  wild  distraction,  strike  his  forehead, 
Lamenting  o'er  his  children,  doomed  to  death, 
Amazement  seized  my  heart,  and  chained  my  will. 
What  may  become  of  this,  Heaven  only  knows, 
For  none  can  pierce  the  veil  of  destiny." 

Kavah,  meanwhile,  with  warning  voice  set  forth 
What  wrongs  the  nation  suffered,  and  there  came 
Multitudes  round  him,  who  called  out  aloud 
For  justice!   justice!     On  his  javelin's  point 
He  fixed  his  leathern  apron  for  a  banner, 
And  lifting  it  on  high,  he  went  abroad 
To  call  the  people  to  a  task  of  vengeance. 
Wherever  it  was  seen  crowds  followed  fast, 
Tired  of  the  cruel  tyranny  they  suffered. 
"  Let  us  unite  with  Feridun,"  he  cried, 
"  And  from  Zohak's  oppression  we  are  free!  " 
And  still  he  called  aloud,  and  all  obeyed 
Who  heard  him,  high  and  low.     Anxious  he  sought 
For  Feridun,  not  knowing  his  retreat: 
But  still  he  hoped  success  would  crown  his  search. 

The  hour  arrived,  and  when  he  saw  the  youth, 
Instinctively  he  knew  him,  and  thanked  Heaven 
For  that  good  fortune.    Then  the  leathern  banner 
Was  splendidly  adorned  with  gold  and  jewels, 
And  called  the  flag  of  Kavah.     From  that  time 
It  was  a  sacred  symbol;  every  king 
In  future,  on  succeeding  to  the  throne, 
Did  honor  to  that  banner,  the  true  sign 
Of  royalty,  in  veneration  held. 

Feridun,  aided  by  the  directions  and  advice  of  the  black- 
smith, now  proceeded  against  Zohak.  His  mother  wept  to  see 
him  depart,  and  continually  implored  the  blessing  of  God  upon 
him.  He  had  two  elder  brothers,  whom  he  took  along  with 
him.  Desirous  of  having  a  mace  formed  like  the  head  of  a 
cow,  he  requested  Kavah  to  make  one  of  iron,  and  it  was 
accordingly  made  in  the  shape  he  described.  In  his  progress, 


THE   SH/H    N^MEH  33 

he  visited  a  shrine  or  place  of  pilgrimage  frequented  by  the 
worshippers  of  God,  where  he  besought  inspiration  and  aid, 
and  where  he  was  taught  by  a  radiant  personage  the  mysteries 
of  the  magic  art,  receiving  from  him  a  key  to  every  secret. 

Bright  beamed  his  eye,  with  firmer  step  he  strode, 
His  smiling  cheek  with  warmer  crimson  glowed. 

When  his  two  brothers  saw  his  altered  mien,  the  pomp  and 
splendor  of  his  appearance,  they  grew  envious  of  his  good 
fortune,  and  privately  meditated  his  fall.  One  day  they  found 
him  asleep  at  the  foot  of  a  mountain,  and  they  immediately 
went  to  the  top  and  rolled  down  a  heavy  fragment  of  rock 
upon  him  with  the  intention  of  crushing  him  to  death;  but 
the  clattering  noise  of  the  stone  awoke  him,  and,  instantly 
employing  the  knowledge  of  sorcery  which  had  been  commu- 
nicated to  him,  the  stone  was  suddenly  arrested  by  him  in 
its  course.  The  brothers  beheld  this  with  astonishment,  and 
hastening  down  the  mountain,  cried  aloud :  "  We  know  not 
how  the  stone  was  loosened  from  its  place:  God  forbid  that 
it  should  have  done  any  injury  to  Feridun."  Feridun,  how- 
ever, was  well  aware  of  this  being  the  evil  work  of  his  brothers, 
but  he  took  no  notice  of  the  conspiracy,  and  instead  of  pun- 
ishing them,  raised  them  to  higher  dignity  and  consequence. 

They  saw  that  Kavah  directed  the  route  of  Feridun  over 
the  mountainous  tracts  and  plains  which  lie  contiguous  to  the 
banks  of  the  Dijleh,  or  Tigris,  close  to  the  city  of  Bagdad. 
Upon  reaching  that  river,  they  called  for  boats,  but  got  no 
answer  from  the  ferryman  ;  at  which  Feridun  was  enraged,  and 
immediately  plunged,  on  horseback,  into  the  foaming  stream. 
All  his  army  followed  without  delay,  and  with  the  blessing  of 
God  arrived  on  the  other  side  in  safety.  He  then  turned 
toward  the  Bait-el-Mukaddus,  built  by  Zohak.  In  the  Pahlavi 
language  it  was  called  Kunuk-duz-mokt.  The  tower  of  this 
edifice  was  so  lofty  that  it  might  be  seen  at  the  distance  of 
many  leagues,  and  within  that  tower  Zohak  had  formed  a  talis- 
man of  miraculous  virtues.  Feridun  soon  overthrew  this  talis- 
man, and  destroyed  or  vanquished  successively  with  his  mace 
all  the  enchanted  monsters  and  hideous  shapes  which  appeared 
before  him.  He  captured  the  whole  of  the  building,  and  re- 
leased all  the  black-eyed  damsels  who  were  secluded  there, 
and  among  them  Shahrnaz  and  Arnawaz,  the  two  sisters  of 
VOL.  I.— 3 


34  FIRDUSI 

Jemshid  before  alluded  to.  He  then  ascended  the  empty 
throne  of  Zohak,  which  had  been  guarded  by  the  talisman,  and 
the  Demons  under  his  command ;  and  when  he  heard  that  the 
tyrant  had  gone  with  an  immense  army  toward  Ind,  in  quest 
of  his  new  enemy,  and  had  left  his  treasury  with  only  a  small 
force  at  the  seat  of  his  government,  he  rejoiced,  and  appro- 
priated the  throne  and  the  treasure  to  himself. 

From  their  dark  solitudes  the  Youth  brought  forth 
The  black-haired  damsels,  lovely  as  the  sun, 
And  Jemshid's  sisters,  long  imprisoned  there; 
And  gladly  did  the  inmates  of  that  harem 
Pour  out  their  gratitude  on  being  freed 
From  that  terrific  monster;  thanks  to  Heaven 
Devoutly  they  expressed,  and  ardent  joy. 

Feridun  inquired  of  Arnawaz  why  Zohak  had  chosen  the 
route  towards  Ind ;  and  she  replied,  "  For  two  reasons :  the 
first  is,  he  expects  to  encounter  thee  in  that  quarter ;  and  if  he 
fails,  he  will  subdue  the  whole  country,  which  is  the  seat  of 
sorcery,  and  thus  obtain  possession  of  a  renowned  magician 
who  can  charm  thee  into  his  power. 

He  wishes  to  secure  within  his  grasp 
That  region  of  enchantment,  Hindustan, 
And  then  obtain  relief  from  what  he  feels; 
For  night  and  day  the  terror  of  thy  name 
Oppresses  him,  his  heart  is  all  on  fire, 
And  life  is  torture  to  him." 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  35 


FERIDON      , 

KANDRU,  the  keeper  of  the  talisman,  having  effected 
his  escape,  fled  to  Zohak,  to  whom  he  gave  intelligence 
of  the  release  of  his  women,  the  destruction  of  the  talis- 
man, and  the  conquest  of  his  empire. 

"  The  sign  of  retribution  has  appeared, 
For  sorrow  is  the  fruit  of  evil  deeds." 
Thus  Kandru  spoke:  "Three  warriors  have  advanced 
Upon  thy  kingdom  from  a  distant  land, 
One  of  them  young,  and  from  his  air  and  mien 
He  seems  to  me  of  the  Kaianian  race. 
He  came,  and  boldly  seized  the  splendid  throne, 
And  all  thy  spells,  and  sorceries,  and  magic, 
Were  instantly  dissolved  by  higher  power, 
Aad  all  who  dwelt  within  thy  palace  walls, 
Demon  or  man,  all  utterly  destroyed, 
Their  severed  heads  cast  weltering  on  the  ground." 
Then  was  Zohak  confounded,  and  he  shrunk 
Within  himself  with  terror,  thinking  now 
His  doom  was  sealed;  but  anxious  to  appear 
In  presence  of  his  army,  gay  and  cheerful, 
Lest  they  too  should  despair,  he  dressed  himself 
In  rich  attire,  and  with  a  pleasant  look, 
Said  carelessly:  "  Perhaps  some  gamesome  guest 
Hath  in  his  sport  committed  this  strange  act." 
"  A  guest,  indeed !  "  Kandru  replied,  "  a  guest, 
In  playful  mood  to  batter  down  thy  palace! 
If  he  had  been  thy  guest,  why  with  his  mace, 
Cow-headed,  has  he  done  such  violence? 
Why  did  he  penetrate  thy  secret  chambers, 
And  bring  to  light  the  beautiful  Shahrnaz, 
And  red-lipped  Arnawaz?  "    At  this,  Zohak 
Trembled  with  wrath — the  words  were  death  to  him; 
And  sternly  thus  he  spoke:  "  What  hast  thou  fled 
Through  fear,  betraying  thy  important  trust? 
No  longer  shalt  thou  share  my  confidence, 
No  longer  share  my  bounty  and  regard." 
To  this  the  keeper  tauntingly  replied: 
"  Thy  kingdom  is  overthrown,  and  nothing  now 
Remains  for  thee  to  give  me;  thou  art  lost." 

The  tyrant  immediately  turned  towards  his  army,  with  the 
intention  of  making  a  strong  effort  to  regain  his  throne,  but 


36  FIRDUSI 

he  found  that  as  soon  as  the  soldiers  and  the  people  were  made 
acquainted  with  the  proceedings  and  success  of  Feridun,  re- 
bellion arose  among  them,  and  shuddering  with  horror  at  the 
cruelty  exercised  by  him  in  providing  food  for  the  accursed 
serpents,  they  preferred  embracing  the  cause  of  the  new  king. 
Zohak,  seeing  that  he  had  lost  the  affections  of  the  army,  and 
that  universal  revolt  was  the  consequence,  adopted  another 
course,  and  endeavored  alone  to  be  revenged  upon  his  enemy. 
He  proceeded  on  his  journey,,  and  arriving  by  night  at  the 
camp  of  Feridun,  hoped  to  find  him  off  his  guard  and  put  him 
to  death.  He  ascended  a  high  place,  himself  unobserved,  from 
which  he  saw  Feridun  sitting  engaged  in  soft  dalliance  with 
the  lovely  Shahrnaz.  The  fire  of  jealousy  and  revenge  now 
consumed  him  more  fiercely,  and  he  was  attempting  to  effect 
his  purpose,  when  Feridun  was  roused  by  the  noise,  and  start- 
ing up  struck  a  furious  blow  with  his  cow-headed  mace  upon 
the  temples  of  Zokah,  which  crushed  the  bone,  and  he  was  on 
the  point  of  giving  him  another;  but  a  supernatural  voice 
whispered  in  his  ear, 

"  Slay  him  not  now — his  time  is  not  yet  come, 
His  punishment  must  be  prolonged  awhile; 
And  as  he  cannot  now  survive  the  wound, 
Bind  him  with  heavy  chains — convey  him  straight 
Upon  the  mountain,  there  within  a  cave, 
Deep,  dark,  and  horrible — with  none  to  soothe 
His  sufferings,  let  the  murderer  lingering  die." 

The  work  of  heaven  performing,  Feridun 
First  purified  the  world  from  sin  and  crime. 

Yet  Feridun  was  not  an  angel,  nor 
Composed  of  musk  or  ambergris.     By  justice 
And  generosity  he  gained  his  fame. 
Do  thou  but  exercise  these  princely  virtues, 
And  thou  wilt  be  renowned  as  Feridun. 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  37 


FERIDON  AND  HIS  THREE  SONS 

FERIDUN  had  three  sons.  One  of  them  was  named  Silim, 
the  other  Tur,  and  the  third  Irij.  When  they  had 
grown  up,  he  called  before  him  a  learned  person  named 
Chundel,  and  said  to  him :  "  Go  thou  in  quest  of  three  daugh- 
ters, born  of  the  same  father  and  mother,  and  adorned  with 
every  grace  and  accomplishment,  that  I  may  have  my  three 
sons  married  into  one  family.  Chundel  departed  accordingly, 
and  travelled  through  many  countries  in  fruitless  search,  till 
he  came  to  the  King  of  Yemen,  whose  name  was  Saru,  and 
found  that  he  had  three  daughters  of  the  character  and  qualifi- 
cations required.  He  therefore  delivered  Feridun's  proposi- 
tion to  him,  to  which  the  King  of  Yemen  agreed.  Then 
Feridun  sent  his  three  sons  to  Yemen,  and  they  married  the 
three  daughters  of  the  king,  who  gave  them  splendid  dowries 
in  treasure  and  jewels.  It  is  related  that  Feridun  afterwards 
divided  his  empire  among  his  sons.  To  Silim  he  gave  Rum 
and  Khawer ;  to  Tur,  Turan ;  *  and  to  Irij,  Iran  or  Persia. 
The  sons  then  repaired  to  their  respective  kingdoms.  Persia 
was  a  beautiful  country,  and  the  garden  of  spring,  full  of  fresh- 
ness and  perfume ;  Turan,  on  the  contrary,  was  less  cultivated, 
and  the  scene  of  perpetual  broils  and  insurrections.  The  elder 
brother,  Silim,  was  therefore  discontented  with  the  unfair  par- 
tition of  the  empire,  and  displeased  with  his  father.  He  sent 
to  Tur,  saying:  "  Our  father  has  given  to  Irij  the  most  de- 
lightful and  productive  kingdom,  and  to  us,  two  wild  uncul- 
tivated regions.  I  am  the  eldest  son,  and  I  am  not  satisfied 
with  this  distribution — what  sayest  thou  ?  "  When  this  mes- 
sage was  communicated  to  Tur,  he  fully  concurred  in  the  sen- 
timents express-ed  by  his  brother,  and  determined  to  unite  with 

*  Ancient  Scythia  embraced  the  whole  Roman  empire.  Iran  and  Turin,  ac- 
of  Turan  and ;  the_  northern  part  of  cording  to  the  Oriental  historians,  corn- 
Persia.  The  Turanians  are  the  Scyth-  prehended  all  that  is  comprised  in  upper 
ians  of  the  Greek  Historians,  who  are  Asia,  with  the  exception  of  India  and 
said,  about  the  year  B.C.  639,  to  have  in-  China.  Every  country  beyond  the  pale 
vaded  the  kingdom  of  the  Medes.  of  the  Persian  empire  was  considered 

Turin,  which  is  the  ancient  name  of  barbarous.     The    great   river   called    by 

the  country  of  Turkistin,  appears  from  the  Arabs  and  Persians,  Tihun  or  Amu, 

Des  Guignes,  to  be  the  source  and  foun-  and  by  the  Greeks  and  Romans,  Oxus, 

tain  of  all   the  celebrated   Scythian  na-  divided  these  two  great  countries  from 

tions,  which,  under  the  name  of  Goths  each  other, 
and  Vandals,  subsequently  overran  the 


38  FIRDUSI 

him  in  any  undertaking  that  might  promise  the  accomplish- 
ment of  their  purpose,  which  was  to  deprive  Irij  of  his  domin- 
ions. But  he  thought  it  would  be  most  expedient,  in  the  first 
instance,  to  make  their  father  acquainted  with  the  dissatisfac- 
tion he  had  produced ;  "  for,"  he  thought  to  himself,  "  in  a 
new  distribution,  he  may  assign  Persia  to  me."  Then  he 
wrote  to  Silim,  advising  that  a  messenger  should  be  sent  at 
once  to  Feridun  to  inform  him  of  their  dissatisfaction,  and 
bring  back  a  reply.  The  same  messenger  was  dispatched  by 
Silim  accordingly  on  that  mission, 

Charged  with  unfilial  language.     "  Give,"  he  said, 
"  This  stripling  Irij  a  more  humble  portion, 
Or  we  will,  from  the  mountains  of  Turan, 
From  Rum,  and  Chin,  bring  overwhelming  troops, 
Inured  to  war,  and  shower  disgrace  and  ruin 
On  him  and  Persia." 

When  the  messenger  arrived  at  the  court  of  Feridun,  and 
had  obtained  permission  to  appear  in  the  presence  of  the  king, 
he  kissed  the  ground  respectfully,  and  by  command  related 
the  purpose  of  his  journey.  Feridun  was  surprised  and  dis- 
pleased, and  said,  in  reply: 

"  Have  I  done  wrong,  done  evil?    None,  but  good. 
I  gave  ye  kingdoms,  that  was  not  a  crime; 
But  if  ye  fear  not  me,  at  least  fear  God. 
My  ebbing  life  approaches  to  an  end, 
And  the  possessions  of  this  fleeting  world 
Will  soon  pass  from  me.     I  am  grown  too  old 
To  have  my  passions  roused  by  this  rebellion; 
All  I  can  do  is,  with  paternal  love,  . 
To  counsel  peace.     Be  with  your  lot  contented; 
Seek  not  unnatural  strife,  but  cherish  peace." 

After  the  departure  of  the  messenger  Feridun  called  Irij 
before  him,  and  said :  "  Thy  two  brothers,  who  are  older  than 
thou  art,  have  confederated  together  and  threaten  to  bring  a 
large  army  against  thee  for  the  purpose  of  seizing  thy  king- 
dom, and  putting  thee  to  death.  I  have  received  this  informa- 
tion from  a  messenger,  who  further  says,  that  if  I  take  thy  part 
they  will  also  wage  war  upon  me."  And  after  Irij  had  de- 
clared that  in  this  extremity  he  was  anxious  to  do  whatever 
his  father  might  advise,  Feridun  continued :  "  My  son,  thou 
art  unable  to  resist  the  invasion  of  even  one  brother;  it  will, 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  39 

therefore,  be  impossible  for  thee  to  oppose  both.  I  am  now 
aged  and  infirm,  and  my  only  wish  is  to  pass  the  remainder 
of  my  days  in  retirement  and  repose.  Better,  then,  will  it 
be  for  thee  to  pursue  the  path  of  peace  and  friendship,  and  like 
me  throw  away  all  desire  for  dominion. 

For  if  the  sword  of  anger  is  unsheathed, 
And  war  comes  on,  thy  head  will  soon  be  freed 
From  all  the  cares  of  government  and  life. 
There  is  no  cause  for  thee  to  quit  the  world, 
The  path  of  peace  and  amity  is  thine." 

Irij  agreed  with  his  father,  and  declared  that  he  would  will- 
ingly sacrifice  his  throne  and  diadem  rather  than  go  to  war 
with  his  brothers. 

"  Look  at  the  Heavens,  how  they  roll  on; 
And  look  at  man,  how  soon  he's  gone. 
A  breath  of  wind,  and  then  no  more; 
A  world  like  this,  should  man  deplore?  " 

With  these  sentiments  Irij  determined  to  repair  immedi- 
ately to  his  brothers,  and  place  his  kingdom  at  their  disposal, 
hoping  by  this  means  to  merit  their  favor  and  affection,  and 
he  said : 

"  I  feel  no  resentment,  I  seek  not  for  strife, 
I  wish  not  for  thrones  and  the  glories  of  life; 
What  is  glory  to  man? — an  illusion,  a  cheat; 
What  did  it  for  Jemshid,  the  world  at  his  feet? 
When  I  go  to  my  brothers  their  anger  may  cease, 
Though  vengeance  were  fitter  than  offers  of  peace." 

Feridun  observed  to  him :  "  It  is  well  that  thy  desire  is  for 
reconciliation,  as  thy  brothers  are  preparing  for  war."  He 
then  wrote  a  letter  to  his  sons,  in  which  he  said :  "  Your 
younger  brother  considers  your  friendship  and  esteem  of  more 
consequence  to  him  than  his  crown  and  throne.  He  has  ban- 
ished from  his  heart  every  feeling  of  resentment  against  you ; 
do  you,  in  the  like  manner,  cast  away  hostility  from  your  hearts 
against  him.  Be  kind  to  him,  for  it  is  incumbent  upon  the 
eldest  born  to  be  indulgent  and  affectionate  to  their  younger 
brothers.  Although  your  consideration  for  my  happiness  has 
passed  away,  I  still  wish  to  please  vou."  As  soon  as  the  letter 
was  finished,  Irij  mounted  his  horse,  and  set  off  on  his  journey, 


40  FIRDUSI 

accompanied  by  several  of  his  friends,  but  not  in  such  a  man- 
ner, and  with  such  an  equipment,  as  might  betray  his  rank  or 
character.  When  he  arrived  with  his  attendants  in  Turkistan, 
he  found  that  the  armies  of  his  two  brothers  were  ready  to 
march  against  him.  Silim  and  Tur,  being  apprised  of  the 
approach  of  Irij,  went  out  of  the  city,  according  to  ancient 
usage,  to  meet  the  deputation  which  was  conveying  to  them 
their  father's  letter.  Irij  was  kindly  received  by  them,  and 
accommodated  in  the  royal  residence. 

It  is  said  that  Irij  was  in  person  extremely  prepossessing, 
and  that  when  the  troops  first  beheld  him,  they  exclaimed: 
"  He  is  indeed  fit  to  be  a  king !  "  In  every  place  all  eyes  were 
fixed  upon  him,  and  wherever  he  moved  he  was  followed  and 
surrounded  by  the  admiring  army  and  crowds  of  people. 

In  numerous  groups  the  soldiers  met,  and  blessed 
The  name  of  Irij,  saying  in  their  hearts, 
This  is  the  man  to  lead  an  armed  host, 
And  worthy  of  the  diadem  and  throne. 

The  courtiers  of  the  two  brothers,  alarmed  by  these  demon- 
strations of  attachment  to  Irij  continually  before  their  eyes, 
represented  to  Silim  and  Tur  that  the  army  was  disaffected 
towards  them,  and  that  Irij  alone  was  considered  deserving  of 
the  supreme  authority.  This  intimation  exasperated  the 
malignant  spirit  of  the  two  brothers :  for  although  at  first  de- 
termined to  put  Irij  to  death,  his  youth  and  prepossessing  ap- 
pearance had  in  some  degree  subdued  their  animosity.  They 
were  therefore  pleased  with  the  intelligence,  because  it  afforded 
a  new  and  powerful  reason  for  getting  rid  of  him.  "  Look  at 
our  troops,"  said  Silim  to  Tur,  "  how  they  assemble  in  circles 
together,  and  betray  their  admiration  of  him.  - 1  fear  they  will 
never  march  against  Persia.  Indeed  it  is  not  improbable  that 
even  the  kingdom  of  Turan  may  fall  into  his  hands,  since  the 
hearts  of  our  soldiers  have  become  so  attached  to  him. 

"  No  time  is  this  to  deviate  from  our  course, 
We  must  rush  on;  our  armies  plainly  show 
Their  love  for  Irij,  and  if  we  should  fail 
To  root  up  from  its  place  this  flourishing  tree, 
Our  cause  is  lost  for  ever." 

Again,  Silim  said  to  Tur:  "Thou  must  put  Irij  to  death, 
and  then  his  kingdom  will  be  thine."  Tur  readily  undertook 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  41 

to  commit  that  crime,  and,  on  the  following  day,  at  an  inter- 
view with  Irij,  he  said  to  him :  "  Why  didst  thou  consent  to  be 
the  ruler  of  Persia,  and  fail  in  showing  a  proper  regard  for 
the  interests  of  thy  elder  brothers?  Whilst  our  barren  king- 
doms are  constantly  in  a  state  of  warfare  with  the  Turks,  thou 
art  enjoying  peace  and  tranquillity  upon  the  throne  of  a  fruit- 
ful country  ?  Must  we,  thy  elder  brothers,  remain  thus  under 
thy  commands,  and  in  subordinate  stations  ? 

Must  thou  have  gold  and  treasure, 
And  thy  heart  be  wrapt  in  pleasure, 
Whilst  we,  thy  elder  born, 
Of  our  heritage  are  shorn? 
Must  the  youngest  still  be  nursed, 
And  the  elder  branches  cursed? 
And  condemned,  by  stern  command, 
To  a  wild  and  sterile  land?" 

When  Irij  heard  these  words  from  Tur,  he  immediately 
replied,  saying : 

"  I  only  seek  tranquillity  and  peace; 
I  look  not  on  the  crown  of  sovereignty. 
Nor  seek  a  name  among  the  Persian  host; 
And  though  the  throne  and  diadem  are  mine, 
I  here  renounce  them,  satisfied  to  lead 
A  private  life.     For  what  hath  ever  been 
The  end  of  earthly  power  and  pomp,  but  darkness? 
I  seek  not  to  contend  against  my  brothers; 
Why  should  I  grieve  their  hearts,  or  give  distress 
To  any  human  being?     I  am  young, 
And  Heaven  forbid  that  I  should  prove  unkind! " 

Notwithstanding,  however,  these  declarations  of  submission, 
and  repeated  assurances  of  his  resolution  to  resign  the  mon- 
archy of  Persia,  Tur  would  not  believe  one  word.  In  a  moment 
he  sprung  up,  and  furiously  seizing  the  golden  chair  from 
which  he  had  just  risen,  struck  a  violent  blow  with  it  on  the 
head  of  Irij,  calling  aloud,  "  Bind  him,  bind  him !  "  The  youth, 
struggling  on  the  ground,  exclaimed :  "  O,  think  of  thy 
father,  and  pity  me!  Have  compassion  on  thy  own  soul!  I 
came  for  thy  protection,  therefore  do  not  take  my  life:  if 
thou  dost,  my  blood  will  call  out  for  vengeance  to  the  Al- 
mighty. I  ask  only  for  peace  and  retirement.  Think  of  my 
father,  and  pity  me ! 


42  FIRDUSI 

"  Wouldst  thou,  with  life  endowed,  take  life  away? 
Torture  not  the  poor  ant,  which  drags  the  grain 
Along  the  dust;  it  has  a  life,  and  life 
Is  sweet  and  precious.     Did  the  innocent  ant 
Offend  thee  ever?    Cruel  must  he  be 
Who  would  destroy  a  living  thing  so  harmless! 
And  wilt  thou,  reckless,  shed  thy  brother's  blood, 
And  agonize  the  feelings  of  a  father? 
Pause,  and  avoid  the  wrath  of  righteous  Heaven!" 

But  Tur  was  not  to  be  softened  by  the  supplications  of  his 
brother.  Without  giving  any  reply,  he  drew  his  dagger,  and 
instantly  dissevered  the  head  of  the  youth  from  his  body. 

With  musk  and  ambergris  he  first  embalmed 
The  head  of  Irij,  then  to  his  old  father 
Dispatched  the  present  with  these  cruel  words: 
"  Here  is  the  head  of  thy  beloved  son, 
Thy  darling  favourite,  dress  it  with  a  crown 
As  thou  wert  wont;  and  mark  the  goodly  fruit 
Thou  hast  produced.    Adorn  thy  ivory  throne, 
In  all  its  splendour,  for  this  worthy  head, 
And  place  it  in  full  majesty  before  thee!  " 

In  the  meantime,  Feridun  had  prepared  a  magnificent  re- 
ception for  his  son.  The  period  of  his  return  had  arrived,  and 
he  was  in  anxious  expectation  of  seeing  him,  when  suddenly 
he  received  intelligence  that  Irij  had  been  put  to  death  by  his 
brothers.  The  mournful  spectacle  soon  reached  his  father's 
house. 

A  scream  of  agony  burst  from  his  heart,    . 

As  wildly  in  his  arms  he  clasped  the  face 

Of  his  poor  slaughtered  son;  then  down  he  sank 

Senseless  upon  the  earth.    The  soldiers  round 

Bemoaned  the  sad  catastrophe,  and  rent 

Their  garments  in  their  grief.    The  souls  of  all 

Were  filled  with  gloom,  their  eyes  with  flowing  tears, 

For  hope  had  promised  a  far  different  scene; 

A  day  of  heart-felt  mirth  and  joyfulness, 

When  Irij  to  his  father's  house  returned. 

After  the  extreme  agitation  of  Feridun  had  subsided,  he 
directed  all  his  people  to  wear  black  apparel,  in  honor  of  the 
murdered  youth,  and  all  his  drums  and  banners  to  be  torn  to 
pieces.  They  say  that  subsequent  to  this  dreadful  calamity 
he  always  wore  black  clothes.  The  head  of  Irij  was  buried  in 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  43 

a  favorite  garden,  where  he  had  been  accustomed  to  hold 
weekly  a  rural  entertainment.  Feridun,  in  performing  the  last 
ceremony,  pressed  it  to  his  bosom,  and  with  streaming  eyes 
exclaimed : 

"  O  Heaven,  look  down  upon  my  murdered  boy; 
His  severed  head  before  me,  but  his  body 
Torn  by  those  hungry  wolves!     O  grant  my  prayer, 
That  I  may  see,  before  I  die,  the  seed 
Of  Irij  hurl  just  vengeance  on  the  heads 
Of  his  assassins;  hear,  O  hear  my  prayer." 
— Thus  he  in  sorrow  for  his  favourite  son 
Obscured  the  light  which  might  have  sparkled  still, 
Withering  the  jasmine  flower  of  happy  days; 
So  that  his  pale  existence  looked  like  death. 


MINUCHIHR 

FERIDUN  continued  to  cherish  with  the  fondest  affection 
the  memory  of  his  murdered  son,  and  still  looked  for- 
ward with  anxiety  to  the  anticipated  hour  of  retribu- 
tion.   He  fervently  hoped  that  a  son  might  be  born  to  take 
vengeance  for  his  father's  death.    But  it  so  happened  that  Mah- 
afrid,  the  wife  of  Irij,  gave  birth  to  a  daughter.    When  this 
daughter  grew  up,  Feridun  gave  her  in  marriage  to  Pishung, 
and  from  that  union  an  heir  was  born  who  in  form  and  feature 
resembled  Irij  and  Feridun.     He  was  called  Minuchihr,  and 
great  rejoicings  took  place  on  the  occasion  of  his  birth. 

The  old  man's  lips,  with  smiles  apart, 
Bespoke  the  gladness  of  his  heart. 
And  in  his  arms  he  took  the  boy 
The  harbinger  of  future  joy; 
Delighted  that  indulgent  Heaven 
To  his  fond  hopes  this  pledge  had  given. 
It  seemed  as  if,  to  bless  his  reign, 
Irij  had  come  to  life  again. 

The  child  was  nourished  with  great  tenderness  during  his 
infancy,  and  when  he  grew  up  he  was  sedulously  instructed  in 
every  art  necessary  to  form  the  character,  and  acquire  the 
accomplishments  of  a  warrior.  Feridun  was  accustomed  to 


44  FIRDUSI 

place  him  on  the  throne,  and  decorate  his  brows  with  the  crown 
of  sovereignty ;  and  the  soldiers  enthusiastically  acknowledged 
him  as  their  king,  urging  him  to  rouse  himself  and  take  ven- 
geance of  his  enemies  for  the  murder  of  his  grandfather.  Hav- 
ing opened  his  treasury,  Feridun  distributed  abundance  of  gold 
among  the  people,  so  that  Minuchihr  was  in  a  short  time  en- 
abled to  embody  an  immense  army,  by  whom  he  was  looked 
upon  with  attachment  and  admiration. 

When  Silim  and  Tur  were  informed  of  the  preparations  that 
were  making  against  them,  that  Minuchihr,  having  grown  to 
manhood,  was  distinguished  for  his  valor  and  intrepidity,  and 
that  multitudes  flocked  to  his  standard  with  the  intention  of 
forwarding  his  purpose  of  revenge,  they  were  seized  with  inex- 
pressible terror,  and  anticipated  an  immediate  invasion  of 
their  kingdoms.  Thus  alarmed,  they  counselled  together  upon 
the  course  it  would  be  wisest  to  adopt. 

"  Should  he  advance,  his  cause  is  just, 
And  blood  will  mingle  with  the  dust, 
But  heaven  forbid  our  power  should  be 
O'erwhelmed  to  give  him  victory; 
Though  strong  his  arm,  and  wild  his  ire, 
And  vengeance  keen  his  heart  inspire." 

They  determined,  at  length,  to  pursue  pacific  measures,  and 
endeavor  by  splendid  presents  and  conciliatory  language  to 
regain  the  good-will  of  Feridun.  The  elephants  were  immedi- 
ately loaded  with  treasure,  a  crown  of  gold,  and  other  articles 
of  value,  and  a  messenger  was  dispatched,  charged  with  an 
acknowledgment  of  guilt  and  abundant  expressions  of  repent- 
ance. "  It  was  Iblis,"  they  said,  "  who  led  us  astray,  and  our 
destiny  has  been  such  that  we  are  in  every  way  criminal.  But 
thou  art  the  ocean  of  mercy ;  pardon  our  offences.  Though 
manifold,  they  were  involuntary,  and  forgiveness  will  cleanse 
our  hearts  and  restore  us  to  ourselves.  Let  our  tears  wash 
away  the  faults  we  have  committed.  To  Minuchihr  and  to 
thyself  we  offer  obedience  and  fealty,  and  we  wait  your  com- 
mands, being  but  the  dust  of  your  feet." 

When  the  messenger  arrived  at  the  court  of  Feridun  he  first 
delivered  the  magnificent  presents,  and  the  king,  having  placed 
Minuchihr  on  a  golden  chair  by  his  side,  observed  to  him, 
"  These  presents  are  to  thee  a  prosperous  and  blessed  omen — 


THE   SHAH   NAMEH  45 

they  show  that  thy  enemy  is  afraid  of  thee."    Then  the  mes- 
senger was  permitted  to  communicate  the  object  of  his  mission. 

He  spoke  with  studied  phrase,  intent  to  hide, 

Or  mitigate  the  horror  of  their  crime; 

And  with  excuses  plausible  and  bland 

His  speech  was  dressed.    The  brothers,  he  observed, 

Desired  to  see  their  kinsman  Minuchihr, 

And  with  the  costliest  gems  they  sought  to  pay 

The  price  of  kindred  blood  unjustly  shed — 

And  they  would  willingly  to  him  resign 

Their  kingdoms  for  the  sake  of  peace  and  friendship. 

The  monarch  marked  him  scornfully,  and  said: 
"  Canst  thou  conceal  the  sun?     It  is  in  vain 
Truth  to  disguise  with  words  of  shallow  meaning. 
Now  hear  my  answer.    Ask  thy  cruel  masters, 
Who  talk  of  their  affection  for  the  prince, 
Where  lies  the  body  of  the  gentle  Irij? 
Him  they  have  slain,  the  fierce,  unnatural  brothers, 
And  now  they  thirst  to  gain  another  victim. 
They  long  to  see  the  face  of  Minuchihr! 
Yes,  and  they  shall,  surrounded  by  his  soldiers, 
And  clad  in  steel,  and  they  shall  feel  the  edge 
Of  life-destroying  swords.     Yes,  they  shall  see  him!  " 

After  uttering  this  indignant  speech,  Feridun  showed  to  the 
messenger  his  great  warriors,  one  by  one.  He  showed  him 
Kavah  and  his  two  sons,  Shahpiir,  and  Shirueh,  and  Karun, 
and  Sam,*  and  Nariman,  and  other  chiefs — all  of  admirable 
courage  and  valor  in  war — and  thus  resumed : 

"  Hence  with  your  presents,  hence,  away, 
Can  gold  or  gems  turn  night  to  day? 
Must  kingly  heads  be  bought  and  sold, 
And  shall  I  barter  blood  for  gold? 
Shall  gold  a  father's  heart  entice, 
Blood  to  redeem  beyond  all  price? 
Hence,  hence  with  treachery;  I  have  heard 
Their  glozing  falsehoods,  every  word; 
But  human  feelings  guide  my  will, 
And  keep  my  honour  sacred  still. 
True  is  the  oracle  we  read: 
'  Those  who  have  sown  oppression's  seed 

*  Sam,  Sam  Suwar,  was  the  son  of  Soham,  on  account  of  its  being  of  the 
Nariman.  He  is  said  to  have  van-  color  and  nature  of  fire.  According  to 
quished  or  tamed  a  great  number  of  fabulous  historjr,  he  made  it  his  war- 
animals  and  terrible  monsters,  amongst  horse,  in  all  his  engagements  against 
which  was  one  remarkable  for  its  the  Demons, 
ferocity.  This  furious  animal  was  called 


46  FIRDUSI 

*  Reap  bitter  fruit;  their  souls,  perplext, 
Joy  not  in  this  world  or  the  next.' 
The  brothers  of  my  murdered  boy, 
Who  could  a  father's  hopes  destroy, 
An  equal  punishment  will  reap, 
And  lasting  vengeance  o'er  them  sweep. 
They  rooted  up  my  favourite  tree, 
But  yet  a  branch  remains  to  me. 
Now  the  young  lion  comes  apace, 
The  glory  of  his  glorious  race; 
He  comes  apace,  to  punish  guilt, 
Where  brother's  blood  was  basely  spilt; 

»And  blood  alone  for  blood  must  pay; 
Hence  with  your  gold,  depart,  away! " 

When  the  messenger  heard  these  reproaches,  mingled  with 
poison,  he  immediately  took  leave,  and  trembling  with  fear, 
returned  to  Silim  and  Tur  with  the  utmost  speed.  He  de- 
scribed to  them  in  strong  and  alarming  terms  the  appearance 
and  character  of  Minuchihr,  and  his  warriors ;  of  that  noble 
youth  who  with  frowning  eyebrows  was  only  anxious  for  bat- 
tle. He  then  communicated  to  them  in  what  manner  he  had 
been  received,  and  repeated  the  denunciations  of  Feridun,  at 
which  the  brothers  were  exceedingly  grieved  and  disappointed. 
But  Silim  said  to  Tur : 

"  Let  us  be  first  upon  the  field,  before 
He  marshals  his  array.     It  follows  not, 
That  he  should  be  a  hero  bold  and  valiant, 
Because  he  is  descended  from  the  brave; 
But  it  becomes  us  well  to  try  our  power, — 
For  speed,  in  war,  is  better  than  delay." 

In  this  spirit  the  two  brothers  rapidly  collected  from  both 
their  kingdoms  a  large  army,  and  proceeded  towards  Iran.  On 
hearing  of  their  progress,  Feridun  said :  "  This  is  well — they 
come  of  themselves.  The  forest  game  surrenders  itself  volun- 
tarily at  the  foot  of  the  sportsman."  Then  he  commanded  his 
army  to  wait  quietly  till  they  arrived ;  for  skill  and  patience, 
he  observed,  will  draw  the  lion's  head  into  your  toils. 

As  soon  as  the  enemy  had  approached  within  a  short  dis- 
tance, Minuchihr  solicited  Feridun  to  commence  the  engage- 
ment— and  the  king  having  summoned  his  chief  warriors 
before  him,  appointed  them  all,  one  by  one,  to  their  proper 
places. 


THE   SHAH   NAMEH  47 


The  warriors  of  renown  assembled  straight 
With  ponderous  clubs;  each  like  a  lion  fierce, 
Girded  his  loins  impatient.     In  their  front 
The  sacred  banner  of  the  blacksmith  waved; 
Bright  scimitars  were  brandished  in  the  air; 
Beneath  them  pranced  their  steeds,  all  armed  for  fight, 
And  so  incased  in  iron  were  the  chiefs 
From  top  to  toe,  their  eyes  were  only  seen. 

When  Karun  drew  his  hundred  thousand  troops 
Upon  the  field,  the  battle-word  was  given, 
And  Minuchihr  was,  like  the  cypress  tall, 
Engaged  along  the  centre  of  the  hosts; 
And  like  the  moon  he  shone,  amid  the  groups 
Of  congregated  clouds,  or  as  the  sun 
Glittering  upon  the  mountain  of  Alberz. 
The  squadrons  in  advance  Kabad  commanded, 
Garshasp  the  left,  and  Sam  upon  the  right. 

The  shedders  of  a  brother's  blood  had  now 
Brought  their  innumerous  legions  to  the  strife, 
And  formed  them  in  magnificent  array: 
The  picket  guards  were  almost  thrown  together, 
When  Tur  sprung  forward,  and  with  sharp  reproach, 
And  haughty  gesture,  thus  addressed  Kabad: 
"  Ask  this  new  king,  this  Minuchihr,  since  Heaven 
To  Irij  gave  a  daughter,  who  on  him 
Bestowed  the  mail,  the  battle-axe,  and  sword?" 
To  this  insulting  speech,  Kabad  replied: 
"  The  message  shall  be  given,  and  I  will  bring 
The  answer,  too.     Ye  know  what  ye  have  done; 
Have  ye  not  murdered  him  who,  trusting,  sought 
Protection  from  ye?    All  mankind  for  this 
Must  curse  your  memory  till  the  day  of  doom; 
If  savage  monsters  were  to  fly  your  presence, 
It  would  not  be  surprising.  » Those  who  die 
In  this  most  righteous  cause  will  go  to  Heaven, 
With  all  their  sins  forgotten ! "    Then  Kabad 
Went  to  the  king,  and  told  the  speech  of  Tur: 
A  smile  played  o'er  the  cheek  of  Minuchihr 
As  thus  he  spoke:  "  A  boaster  he  must  be, 
Or  a  vain  fool,  for  when  engaged  in  battle, 
Vigour  of  arm  and  the  enduring  soul, 
Will  best  be  proved.     I  ask  but  for  revenge — 
Vengeance  for  Irij  slain.     Meanwhile,  return; 
We  shall  not  fight  to-day." 

He  too  retired, 

And  in  his  tent  upon  the  sandy  plain, 
Ordered  the  festive  board  to  be  prepared, 
And  wine  and  music  whiled  the  hours  away. 


48  FIRDUSI 

When  morning  dawned  the  battle  commenced,  and  multi- 
tudes were  slain  on  both  sides. 

The  spacious  plain  became  a  sea  of  blood; 
It  seemed  as  if  the  earth  was  covered  o'er 
With  crimson  tulips;  slippery  was  the  ground, 
And  all  in  dire  confusion. 

The  army  of  Minuchihr  was  victorious,  owing  to  the 
bravery  and  skill  of  the  commander.  But  Heaven  was  in  his 
favor. 

In  the  evening  Silim  and  Tur  consulted  together,  and  came 
to  the  resolution  of  effecting  a  formidable  night  attack  on  the 
enemy.  The  spies  of  Minuchihr,  however,  obtained  informa- 
tion of  this  intention,  and  communicated  the  secret  to  the  king. 
Minuchihr  immediately  placed  the  army  in  charge  of  Karun, 
and  took  himself  thirty  thousand  men  to  wait  in  ambuscade 
for  the  enemy,  and  frustrate  his  views.  Tur  advanced  with  a 
hundred  thousand  men ;  but  as  he  advanced,  he  found  every 
one  on  the  alert,  and  aware  of  his  approach.  He  had  gone  too 
far  to  retreat  in  the  dark  without  fighting,  and  therefore  began 
a  vigorous  conflict.  Minuchihr  sprung  up  from  his  ambus- 
cade, and  with  his  thirty  thousand  men  rushed  upon  the  centre 
of  the  enemy's  troops,  and  in  the  end  encountered  Tur.  The 
struggle  was  not  long.  Minuchihr  dexterously  using  his 
javelin,  hurled  him  from  his  saddle  precipitately  to  the  ground, 
and  then  with  his  dagger  severed  the  head  from  his  body.  The 
body  he  left  to  be  devoured  by  the  beasts  of  the  field,  and  the 
head  he  sent  as  a  trophy  to  Feridun;  after  which,  he  pro- 
ceeded in  search  of  Silim. 

The  army  of  the  confederates,  however,  having  suffered  such 
a  signal  defeat,  Silim  thought  it  prudent  to  fall  back  and  take 
refuge  in  a  fort.  But  Minuchihr  went  in  pursuit,  and  besieged 
the  castle.  One  day  a  warrior  named  Kakii  made  a  sally  out 
of  the  fort,  and  approaching  the  centre  of  the  besieging  army, 
threw  a  javelin  at  Minuchihr,  which,  however,  fell  harmless 
before  it  reached  its  aim.  Then  Minuchihr  seized  the  enemy 
by  the  girdle,  raised  him  up  in  air,  and  flung  him  from  his  sad- 
dle to  the  ground. 

He  grasped  the  foe-man  by  the  girth, 
And  thundering  drove  him  to  the  earth; 
By  wound  of  spear,  and  gory  brand, 
He  died  upon  the  burning  sand. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  49 

The  siege  was  continued  for  some  time  with  the  view  of 
weakening  the  power  of  Silim ;  at  last  Minuchihr  sent  a  mes- 
sage to  him,  saying :  "  Let  the  battle  be  decided  between  us. 
Quit  the  fort,  and  boldly  meet  me  here,  that  it  may  be  seen  to 
whom  God  gives  the  victory."  Silim  could  not,  without  dis- 
grace, refuse  this  challenge :  he  descended  from  the  fort,  and 
met  Minuchihr.  A  desperate  conflict  ensued,  and  he  was  slain 
on  the  spot.  Minuchihr's  keen  sword  severed  the  royal  head 
from  the  body,  and  thus  quickly  ended  the  career  of  Silim. 
After  that,  the  whole  of  the  enemy's  troops  were  defeated  and 
put  to  flight  in  every  direction. 

The  leading  warriors  of  the  routed  army  now  sought  pro- 
tection from  Minuchihr,  who  immediately  complied  with  their 
solicitation,  and  by  their  influence  all  the  forces  of  Silim  and 
Tur  united  under  him.  To  each  he  gave  rank  according  to 
his  merits.  After  the  victory,  Minuchihr  hastened  to  pay  his 
respects  to  Feridun,  who  received  him  with  praises  and  thanks- 
givings, and  the  customary  honors.  Returning  from  the  bat- 
tle, Feridun  met  him  on  foot;  and  the  moment  Minuchihr 
beheld  the  venerable  monarch,  he  alighted  and  kissed  the 
ground.  They  then,  seated  in  the  palace  together,  congratu- 
lated themselves  on  the  success  of  their  arms.  In  a  short  time 
after,  the  end  of  Feridun  approached;  when  recommending 
Minuchihr  to  the  care  of  Sam  and  Nariman,  he  said :  "  My 
hour  of  departure  has  arrived,  and  I  place  the  prince  under 
your  protection."  He  then  directed  Minuchihr  to  be  seated 
on  the  throne; 

And  put  himself  the  crown  upon  his  head, 

And  stored  his  mind  with  counsel  good  and  wise. 

Upon  the  death  of  Feridun,  Minuchihr  accordingly  suc- 
ceeded to  the  government  of  the  empire,  and  continued  to  ob- 
serve strictly  all  the  laws  and  regulations  of  his  great  grand- 
father. He  commanded  his  subjects  to  be  constant  in  the 
worship  of  God. 

The  army  and  the  people  gave  him  praise, 
Prayed  for  his  happiness  and  length  of  days; 
Our  hearts,  they  said,  are  ever  bound  to  thee; 
Our  hearts,  inspired  by  love  and  loyalty. 
VOL.  I.— 4 


FIRDUSI 


ZAL,  THE  SON  OF  SAM 

\  CCORDING  to  the  traditionary  histories  from  which 
Firdusi  has  derived  his  legends,  the  warrior  Sam  had 
a  son  born  to  him  whose  hair  was  perfectly  white. 
On  his  birth  the  nurse  went  to  Sam  and  told  him  that  God 
had  blessed  him  with  a  wonderful  child,  without  a  single 
blemish,  excepting  that  his  hair  was  white;  but  when  Sam 
saw  him  he  was  grieved : 

His  hair  was  white  as  goose's  wing, 
His  cheek  was  like  the  rose  of  spring 
His  form  was  straight  as  cypress  tree — 
But  when  the  sire  was  brought  to  see 
That  child  with  hair  so  silvery  white, 
His  heart  revolted  at  the  sight. 

His  mother  gave  him  the  name  of  Zal  and  the  people  said 
to  Sam,  "  This  is  an  ominous  event,  and  will  be  to  thee  pro- 
ductive of  nothing  but  calamity;  it  would  be  better  if  thou 
couldst  remove  him  out  of  sight. 

No  human  being  of  this  earth 
Could  give  to  such  a  monster  birth; 
He  must  be  of  the  Demon  race, 
Though  human  still  in  form  and  face. 
If  not  a  Demon,  he,  at  least, 
Appears  a  party-coloured  beast." 

When  Sam  was  made  acquainted  with  these  reproaches  and 
sneers  of  the  people,  he  determined,  though  with  a  sorrowful 
heart,  to  take  him  up  to  the  mountain  Alberz,  and  abandon 
him  there  to  be  destroyed  by  beasts  of  prey.  Alberz  was  the 
abode  of  the  Simurgh  or  Griffin,*  and,  whilst  flying  about  in 
quest  of  food  for  his  hungry  young  ones,  that  surprising  animal 
discovered  the  child  lying  alone  upon  the  hard  rock,  crying 
and  sucking  its  fingers.  The  Simurgh,  however,  felt  no  incli- 

*  The   sex  of  this  fabulous  animal   is  the  other,  or  both!     Some  have  likened 

not  clearly  made  out!     It  tells  Zal  that  the  Simurgh  to  the  Ippogrif  or  Griffin; 

it    had    nursed    him    like    a    father,    and  but    the    Simurgh    is    plainly    a    biped; 

therefore  I  have,  in  this  place,  adopted  others    again    have    supposed    that    the 

the  masculine  gender,   though  the  pre-  fable    simply   meant   a    holy   recluse    of 

server   of   young   ones   might   authorize  the  mountains,  who  nourished  and  edu- 

its    being    considered    a    female.     The  cated   the   poor   child   which    had   been 

Simurgh    is    probably    neither    one    nor  abandoned   by   its  father. 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  51 

nation  to  devour  him,  but  compassionately  took  him  up  in  the 
air,  and  conveyed  him  to  his  own  habitation. 

He  who  is  blest  with  Heaven's  grace 
Will  never  want  a  dwelling-place 
And  he  who  bears  the  curse  of  Fate 
Can  never  change  his  wretched  state. 
A  voice,  not  earthly,  thus  addressed 
The  Simurgh  in  his  mountain  nest — 
"  To  thee  this  mortal  I  resign, 
Protected  by  the  power  divine; 
Let  him  thy  fostering  kindness  share, 
Nourish  him  with  paternal  care; 
For  from  his  loins,  in  time,  will  spring 
The  champion  of  the  world,  and  bring 
Honour  on  earth,  and  to  thy  name; 
The  heir  of  everlasting  fame." 

The  young  ones  were  also  kind  and  affectionate  to  the  in- 
fant, which  was  thus  nourished  and  protected  by  the  Simurgh 
for  several  years. 


THE  DREAM  OF  SAM 

IT  is  said  that  one  night,  after  melancholy  musings  and  re- 
flecting on  the  miseries  of  this  life,  Sam  was  visited  by  a 
dream,  and  when  the  particulars  of  it  were  communicated 
to  the  interpreters  of  mysterious  warnings  and  omens,  they 
declared  that  Zal  was  certainly  still  alive,  although  he  had  been 
long  exposed  on  Alberz,  and  left  there  to  be  torn  to  pieces  by 
wild  animals.  Upon  this  interpretation  being  given,  the  nat- 
ural feelings  of  the  father  returned,  and  he  sent  his  people  to 
the  mountain  in  search  of  Zal,  but  without  success.  On  an- 
other night  Sam  dreamt  a  second  time,  when  he  beheld  a 
young  man  of  a  beautiful  countenance  at  the  head  of  an  im- 
mense army,  with  a  tanner  flying  before  him,  and  a  Mubid  on 
his  left  hand.  One  of  them  addressed  Sam,  and  reproached 
him  thus : — 

Unfeeling  mortal,  hast  thou  from  thy  eyes 
Washed  out  all  sense  of  shame?    Dost  thou  believe 
That  to  have  silvery  tresses  is  a  crime? 
If  so,  thy  head  is  covered  with  white  hair; 


52  FIRDUSI 

And  were  not  both  spontaneous  gifts  from  Heaven? 

Although  the  boy  was  hateful  to  thy  sight, 

The  grace  of  God  has  been  bestowed  upon  him; 

And  what  is  human  tenderness  and  love 

To  Heaven's  protection?    Thou  to  him  wert  cruel, 

But  Heaven  has  blest  him,  shielding  him  from  harm. 

Sam  screamed  aloud  in  his  sleep,  and  awoke  greatly  terrified. 
Without  delay  he  went  himself  to  Alberz,  and  ascended  the 
mountain,  and  wept  and  prayed  before  the  throne  of  the  Al- 
mighty, saying: — 

"  If  that  forsaken  child  be  truly  mine, 
And  not  the  progeny  of  Demon  fell, 
O  pity  me!  forgive  the  wicked  deed, 
And  to  my  eyes,  my  injured  son  restore." 

His  prayer  was  accepted.  The  Simurgh,  hearing  the  lamen- 
tations of  Sam  among  his  people,  knew  that  he  had  come  in 
quest  of  his  son,  and  thus  said  to  Zal : — "  I  have  fed  and  pro- 
tected thee  like  a  kind  nurse,  and  I  have  given  thee  the  name 
of  Dustan,  like  a  father.  Sam,  the  warrior,  has  just  come  upon 
the  mountain  in  search  of  his  child,  and  I  must  restore  thee  to 
him,  and  we  must  part."  Zal  wept  when  he  heard  of  this  un- 
expected separation,  and  in  strong  terms  expressed  his  grati- 
tude to  his  benefactor;  for  the  Wonderful  Bird  had  not 
omitted  to  teach  him  the  language  of  the  country,  and  to  culti- 
vate his  understanding,  removed  as  they  were  to  such  a  dis- 
tance from  the  haunts  of  mankind.  The  Simurgh  soothed 
him  by  assuring  him  that  he  was  not  going  to  abandon  him  to 
misfortune,  but  to  increase  his  prosperity;  and,  as  a  striking 
proof  of  affection,  gave  him  a  feather  from  'his  own  wing,  with 
these  instructions : — "  Whenever  thou  art  involved  in  difficulty 
or  danger,  put  this  feather  on  the  fire,  and  I  will  instantly  ap- 
pear to  thee  to  ensure  thy  safety.  Never  cease  to  remember 
me. 

I  have  watched  thee  with  fondness  by  day  and  by  night, 
And  supplied  all  thy  wants  with  a  father's  delight; 
O  forget  not  thy  nurse — still  be  faithful  to  me — 
And  my  heart  will  be  ever  devoted  to  thee." 

Zal  immediately  replied  in  a  strain  of  gratitude  and  admira- 
tion ;  and  then  the  Simurgh  conveyed  him  to  Sam,  and  said  to 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  53 

him :  "  Receive  thy  son — he  is  of  wonderful  promise,  and  will 
be  worthy  of  the  throne  and  the  diadem." 

The  soul  of  Sam  rejoiced  to  hear 
Applause  so  sweet  to  a  parent's  ear; 
And  blessed  them  both  in  thought  and  word, 
The  lovely  boy,  and  the  Wondrous  Bird. 

He  also  declared  to  Zal  that  he  was  ashamed  of  the  crime 
of  which  he  had  been  guilty,  and  that  he  would  endeavor  to 
obliterate  the  recollection  of  the  past  by  treating  him  in  future 
with  the  utmost  respect  and  honor. 

When  Minuchihr  heard  from  Zabul  of  these  things,  and  of 
Sam's  return,  he  was  exceedingly  pleased,  and  ordered  his  son, 
Nauder,  with  a  splendid  istakbal,*  to  meet  the  father  and  son 
on  their  approach  to  the  city.  They  were  surrounded  by  war- 
riors and  great  men,  and  Sam  embraced  the  first  moment  to 
introduce  Zal  to  the  king. 

Zal  humbly  kissed  the  earth  before  the  king, 

And  from  the  hands  of  Minuchihr  received 

A  golden  mace  and  helm.    Then  those  who  knew 

The  stars  and  planetary  signs,  were  told 

To  calculate  the  stripling's  destiny; 

And  all  proclaimed  him  of  exalted  fortune, 

That  he  would  be  prodigious  in  his  might, 

Outshining  every  warrior  of  the  age. 

Delighted  with  this  information,  Minuchihr,  seated  upon  his 
throne,  with  Karun  on  one  side  and  Sam  on  the  other,  pre- 
sented Zal  with  Arabian  horses,  and  armor,  and  gold,  and 
splendid  garments,  and  appointed  Sam  to  the  government  of 
Kabul,  Zabul,  and  Ind.  Zal  accompanied  his  father  on  his 
return;  and  when  they  arrived  at  Zabulistan,  the  most  re- 
nowned instructors  in  every  art  and  science  were  collected  to- 
gether to  cultivate  and  enrich  his  young  mind. 

*  This  custom  is  derived  from  the  mony  which  we  had  before  witnessed  at 
earliest  ages  of  Persia,  and  has  been  Kauzeroon,  and  which  we  again  under- 
continued  down  to  the  present  times  stood  to  be  an  honor  shared  with  the 
with  no  abatement  of  its  pomp  or  King  and  his  sons  alone.  Then  came 
splendor  Mr.  Morier  thus  speaks  of  two  of  the  principal  merchants  of 
the  progress  of  the  Embassy  to  Per-  Shiraz,  accompanied  by  a  boy,  the  son 
sia: —  of  Mahomed  Nebee  Khan,  the  new 

"  An  Istakbal  composed  of  fifty  horse-  Governor  of  Bushere.  They,  however, 

men  of  our  Mehmandar's  tribe,  met  us  incurred  the  Envoy's  displeasure  by  not 

about  three  miles  from  our  encamp-  dismounting  from  their  horses,  a  form 

ment;  they  were  succeeded  as  we  ad-  always  observed  in  Persia  by  those  of 

vanced  by  an  assemblage  on  foot,  who  lower  rank,  when  they  met  a  superior, 

threw  a  glass  vessel  filled  with  sweet-  We  were  thus  met  by  three  Istakbals 

meats  beneath  the  Envoy's  horse,  a  cere-  during  the  course  of  the  day." 


54  FIRDUSI 

In  the  meantime  Sam  was  commanded  by  the  king  to  invade 
and  subdue  the  Demon  provinces  of  Karugsar  and  Mazin- 
deran ;  *  and  Zal  was  in  consequence  left  by  his  father  in 
charge  of  Zabulistan.  The  young  nursling  of  the  Simurgh  is 
said  to  have  performed  the  duties  of  sovereignty  with  admir- 
able wisdom  and  discretion,  during  the  absence  of  his  father. 
He  did  not  pass  his  time  in  idle  exercises,  but  with  zealous 
delight  in  the  society  of  accomplished  and  learned  men,  for 
the  purpose  of  becoming  familiar  with  every  species  of  knowl- 
edge and  acquirement.  The  city  of  Zabul,  however,  as  a  con- 
stant residence,  did  not  entirely  satisfy  him,  and  he  wished  to 
see  more  of  the  world;  he  therefore  visited  several  other 
places,  and  proceeded  as  far  as  Kabul,  where  he  pitched  his 
tents,  and  remained  for  some  time. 


RUDABEH 

THE  chief  of  Kabul  was  descended  from  the  family  of 
Zohak.     He  was  named  Mihrab,  and  to  secure  the 
safety  of  his  state,  paid  annual  tribute  to  Sam.    Mihrab, 
on  the  arrival  of  Zal,  went  out  of  the  city  to  see  him,  and  was 
hospitably  entertained  by  the  young  hero,  who  soon  discovered 
that  he  had  a  daughter  of  wonderful  attractions. 

Her  name  Rudabeh;  screened  from  public  view, 

Her  countenance  is  brilliant  as  the  sun; 

From  head  to  foot  her  lovely  form  is  fair 

As  polished  ivory.     Like  the  spring,  her  cheek 

Presents  a  radiant  bloom, — in  stature  tall, 

And  o'er  her  silvery  brightness,  richly  flow 

Dark  musky  ringlets  clustering  to  her  feet. " 

She  blushes  like  the  rich  pomegranate  flower; 

Her  eyes  are  soft  and  sweet  as  the  narcissus, 

Her  lashes  from  the  raven's  jetty  plume 

Have  stolen  their  blackness,  and  her  brows  are  bent 

Like  archer's  bow.    Ask  ye  to  see  the  moon? 

Look  at  her  face.     Seek  ye  for  musky  fragrance? 

She  is  all  sweetness.     Her  long  fingers  seem 

Pencils  of  silver,  and  so  beautiful 

Her  presence,  that  she  breathes  of  Heaven  and  love. 

*  The  province  of  Mazinderan,  of  to  the  ancients  by  the  name  of  Hyr- 
which  the  principal  city  is  Amol,  com-  cania.  At  the  period  to  which  the  text 
prehends  the  whole  of  the  southern  refers,  the  country  was  in  the  posses- 
coast  of  the  Caspian  sea.  It  was  known  sion  of  demons. 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  55 

Such  was  the  description  of  Rudabeh,  which  inspired  the 
heart  of  Zal  with  the  most  violent  affection,  and  imagination 
added  to  her  charms. 

Mihrab  again  waited  on  Zal,  who  received  him  graciously, 
and  asked  him  in  what  manner  he  could  promote  his  wishes. 
Mihrab  said  that  he  only  desired  him  to  become  his  guest  at  a 
banquet  he  intended  to  invite  him  to ;  but  Zal  thought  proper 
to  refuse,  because  he  well  knew,  if  he  accepted  an  invitation  of 
the  kind  from  a  relation  of  Zohak,  that  his  father  Sam  and  the 
King  of  Persia  would  be  offended.  Mihrab  returned  to  Kabul 
disappointed,  and  having  gone  into  his  harem,  his  wife,  Sin- 
dokht,  inquired  after  the  stranger  from  Zabul,  the  white- 
headed  son  of  Sam.  She  wished  to  know  what  he  was  like,  in 
form  and  feature,  and  what  account  he  gave  of  his  sojourn 
with  the  Simurgh.  Mihrab  described  him  in  the  warmest  terms 
of  admiration — he  was  valiant,  he  said,  accomplished  and  hand- 
some, with  no  other  defect  than  that  of  white  hair.  And  so 
boundless  was  his  praise,  that  Rudabeh,  who  was  present, 
drank  every  word  with  avidity,  and  felt  her  own  heart  warmed 
into  admiration  and  love.  Full  of  emotion,  she  afterwards  said 
privately  to  her  attendants : 

"  To  you  alone  the  secret  of  my  heart 
I  now  unfold;  to  you  alone  confess 
The  deep  sensations  of  my  captive  soul. 
I  love,  I  love;  all  day  and  night  of  him 
I  think  alone — I  see  him  in  my  dreams — 
You  only  know  my  secret — aid  me  now, 
And  soothe  the  sorrows  of  my  bursting  heart" 

The  attendants  were  startled  with  this  confession  and  en- 
treaty, and  ventured  to  remonstrate  against  so  preposterous  an 
attachment. 

"What!   hast  thou  lost  all  sense  of  shame, 
All  value  for  thy  honored  name! 
That  thou,  in  loveliness  supreme, 
Of  every  tongue  the  constant  theme, 
Should  choose,  and  on  another's  word, 
The  nursling  of  a  Mountain  Bird! 
A  being  never  seen  before, 
Which  human  mother  never  bore! 
And  can  the  hoary  locks  of  age, 
A  youthful  heart  like  thine  engage? 


56  FIRDUSI 

Must  thy  enchanting  form  be  prest 
To  such  a  dubious  monster's  breast? 
And  all  thy  beauty's  rich  array, 
Thy  peerless  charms  be  thrown  away?" 

This  violent  remonstrance  was  more  calculated  to  rouse  the 
indignation  of  Rudabeh  than  to  induce  her  to  change  her  mind. 
It  did  so.  But  she  subdued  her  resentment,  and  again  dwelt 
upon  the  ardor  of  her  passion. 

"  My  attachment  is  fixed,  my  election  is  made, 
And  when  hearts  are  enchained  'tis  in  vain  to  upbraid. 
Neither  Kizar  nor  Faghfur  I  wish  to  behold, 
Nor  the  monarch  of  Persia  with  jewels  and  gold; 
-   All,  all  I  despise,  save  the  choice  of  my  heart, 
And  from  his  beloved  image  I  never  can  part. 
Call  him  aged,  or  young,  'tis  a  fruitless  endeavour 
To  uproot  a  desire  I  must  cherish  for  ever; 
Call  him  old,  call  him  young,  who  can  passion  control? 
Ever  present,  and  loved,  he  entrances  my  soul. 
'Tis  for  him  I  exist — him  I  worship  alone, 
And  my  heart  it  must  bleed  till  I  call  him  my  own." 

As  soon  as  the  attendants  found  that  Rudabeh's  attachment 
was  deeply  fixed,  and  not  to  be  removed,  they  changed  their 
purpose,  and  became  obedient  to  her  wishes,  anxious  to  pur- 
sue any  measure  that  might  bring  Zal  and  their  mistress  to- 
gether. Rudabeh  was  delighted  with  this  proof  of  their  regard. 

It  was  spring-time,  and  the  attendants  repaired  towards  the 
halting-place  of  Zal,  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  city.  Their 
occupation  seemed  to  be  gathering  roses  along  the  romantic 
banks  of  a  pellucid  streamlet,  and  when  they'  purposely  strayed 
opposite  the  tent  of  Zal,  he  observed  them,'  and  asked  his 
friends — why  they  presumed  to  gather  roses  in  his  garden. 
He  was  told  that  they  were  damsels  sent  by  the  moon  of 
Kabulistan  from  the  palace  of  Mihrab  to  gather  roses,  and 
upon  hearing  this  his  heart  was  touched  with  emotion.  He 
rose  up  and  rambled  about  for  amusement,  keeping  the  direc- 
tion of  the  river,  followed  by  a  servant  with  a  bow.  He  was 
not  far  from  the  damsels,  when  a  bird  sprung  up  from  the  water, 
which  he  shot,  upon  the  wing,  with  an  arrow.  The  bird  hap- 
pened to  fall  near  the  rose-gatherers,  and  Zal  ordered  his  ser- 
vant to  bring  it  to  him.  The  attendants  of  Rudabeh  lost  not 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  57 

the  opportunity,  as  he  approached  them,  to  inquire  who  the 
archer  was.  "  Know  ye  not,"  answered  the  servant,  "  that 
this  is  Nimruz,  the  son  of  Sam,  and  also  called  Dustan,  the 
greatest  warrior  ever  known."  At  this  the  damsels  smiled, 
and  said  that  they  too  belonged  to  a  person  of  distinction — 
and  not  of  inferior  worth — to  a  star  in  the  palace  of  Mihrab. 
"  We  have  come  from  Kabul  to  the  King  of  Zabulistan,  and 
should  Zal  and  Rudabeh  be  of  equal  rank,  her  ruby  lips  may 
become  acquainted  with  his,  and  their  wished-for  union  be 
effected."  When  the  servant  returned,  Zal  was  immediately 
informed  of  the  conversation  that  had  taken  place,  and  in  con- 
sequence presents  were  prepared. 

They  who  to  gather  roses  came — went  back 
With  precious  gems — and  honorary  robes; 
And  two  bright  finger-rings  were  secretly 
Sent  to  the  princess. 

Then  did  the  attendants  of  Rudabeh  exult  in  the  success  of 
their  artifice,  and  say  that  the  lion  had  come  into  their  toils. 
Rudabeh  herself,  however,  had  some  fears  on  the  subject.  She 
anxiously  sought  to  know  exactly  the  personal  appearance  of 
Zal,  and  happily  her  warmest  hopes  were  realized  by  the  de- 
scription she  received.  But  one  difficulty  remained — how  were 
they  to  meet  ?  How  was  she  to  see  with  her  own  eyes  the  man 
whom  her  fancy  had  depicted  in  such  glowing  colors?  Her 
attendants,  sufficiently  expert  at  intrigue,  soon  contrived  the 
means  of  gratifying  her  wishes.  There  was  a  beautiful  rural 
retreat  in  a  sequestered  situation,  the  apartments  of  which 
were  adorned  with  pictures  of  great  men,  and  ornamented  in 
the  most  splendid  manner.  To  this  favorite  place  Rudabeh 
retired,  and  most  magnificently  dressed,  awaiting  the  coming 
of  Zal,  whom  her  attendants  had  previously  invited  to  repair 
thither  as  soon  as  the  sun  had  gone  down.  The  shadows  of 
evening  were  falling  as  he  approached,  and  the  enamoured 
princess  thus  addressed  him  from  her  balcony : — 

"  May  happiness  attend  thee  ever,  thou, 
Whose  lucid  features  make  this  gloomy  night 
Clear  as  the  day;  whose  perfume  scents  the  breeze; 
Thou  who,  regardless  of  fatigue,  hast  come 
On  foot  too,  thus  to  see  me " 


58  FIRDUSI 

Hearing  a  sweet  voice,  he  looked  up,  and  beheld  a  bright 
face  in  the  balcony,  and  he  said  to  the  beautiful  vision : — 

"  How  often  have  I  hoped  that  Heaven 

Would,  in  some  secret  place  display 
Thy  charms  to  me,  and  thou  hast  given 

My  heart  the  wish  of  many  a  day; 
For  now  thy  gentle  voice  I  hear, 

And  now  I  see  thee — speak  again! 
Speak  freely  in  a  willing  ear, 

And  every  wish  thou  hast  obtain." 

Not  a  word  was  lost  upon  Rudabeh,  and  she  soon  accom- 
plished her  object.  Her  hair  was  so  luxuriant,  and  of  such  a 
length,  that  casting  it  loose  it  flowed  down  from  the  balcony ; 
and,  after  fastening  the  upper  part  to  a  ring,  she  requested  Zal 
to  take  hold  of  the  other  end  and  mount  up.  He  ardently 
kissed  the  musky  tresses,  and  by  them  quickly  ascended. 

Then  hand  in  hand  within  the  chambers  they 
Gracefully  passed. — Attractive  was  the  scene, 
The  walls  embellished  by  the  painter's  skill, 
And  every  object  exquisitely  formed, 
Sculpture,  and  architectural  ornament, 
Fit  for  a  king.    Zal  with  amazement  gazed 
Upon  what  art  had  done,  but  more  he  gazed 
Upon  the  witching  radiance  of  his  love, 
Upon  her  tulip  cheeks,  her  musky  locks, 
Breathing  the  sweetness  of  a  summer  garden; 
Upon  the  sparkling  brightness  of  her  rings, 
Necklace,  and  bracelets,  glittering  on  her  arms. 
His  mien  too  was  majestic — on  his  head 
He  wore  a  ruby  crown,  and  near  his  breast 
Was  seen  a  belted  dagger.     Fondly  she 
With  side-long  glances  marked  his  noble  aspect, 
The  fine  proportions  of  his  graceful  limbs,  - 
His  strength  and  beauty.     Her  enamoured  heart 
Suffused  her  cheek  with  blushes,  every  glance 
Increas'd  the  ardent  transports  of  her  soul. 
So  mild  was  his  demeanour,  he  appeared 
A  gentle  lion  toying  with  his  prey. 
Long  they  remained  rapt  in  admiration 
Of  each  other.    At  length  the  warrior  rose, 
And  thus  addressed  her:  "  It  becomes  not  us 
To  be  forgetful  of  the  path  of  prudence, 
Though  love  would  dictate  a  more  ardent  course, 
How  oft  has  Sam,  my  father,  counselled  me, 
Against  unseeming  thoughts, — unseemly  deeds, — 


THE   SH/H    NAMEH  59 

Always  to  choose  the  right,  and  shun  the  wrong. 
How  will  he  burn  with  anger  when  he  hears 
This  new  adventure;  how  will  Minuchihr 
Indignantly  reproach  me  for  this  dream! 
This  waking  dream  of  rapture!    but  I  call 
High  Heaven  to  witness  what  I  now  declare — 
Whoever  may  oppose  my  sacred  vows, 
I  still  am  thine,  affianced  thine,  for  ever." 

And  thus  Rudabeh:  "  Thou  hast  won  my  heart, 
And  kings  may  sue  in  vain;  to  thee  devoted, 
Thou  art  alone  my  warrior  and  my  love." 
Thus  they  exclaimed, — then  Zal  with  fond  adieus 
Softly  descended  from  the  balcony, 
And  hastened  to  his  tent. 

As  speedily  as  possible  he  assembled  together  his  counsellors 
and  Mubids  to  obtain  their  advice  on  the  present  extraordinary 
occasion,  and  he  represented  to  them  the  sacred  importance  of 
encouraging  matrimonial  alliances. 

For  marriage  is  a  contract  sealed  by  Heaven — 
How  happy  is  the  Warrior's  lot,  amidst 
His  smiling  children;  when  he  dies,  his  son 
Succeeds  him,  and  enjoys  his  rank  and  name. 
And  is  it  not  a  glorious  thing  to  say — 
This  is  the  son  of  Zal,  or  this  of  Sam, 
The  heir  of  his  renowned  progenitor? 

He  then  related  to  them  the  story  of  his  love  and  affection 
for  the  daughter  of  Mihrab;  but  the  Mubids,  well  knowing 
that  the  chief  of  Kabul  was  of  the  family  of  Zohak,  the  serpent- 
king,  did  not  approve  the  union  desired,  which  excited  the 
indignation  of  Zal.  They,  however,  recommended  his  writing 
a  letter  to  Sam,  who  might,  if  he  thought  proper,  refer  the 
matter  to  Minuchihr.  The  letter  was  accordingly  written  and 
despatched,  and  when  Sam  received  it,  he  immediately  referred 
the  question  to  his  astrologers,  to  know  whether  the  nuptials, 
if  solemnized  between  Zal  and  Rudabeh,  would  be  prosperous 
or  not.  They  foretold  that  the  nuptials  would  be  prosperous, 
and  that  the  issue  would  be  a  son  of  wonderful  strength  and 
power,  the  conqueror  of  the  world.  This  announcement  de- 
lighted the  heart  of  the  old  warrior,  and  he  sent  the  messenger 
back  with  the  assurance  of  his  approbation  of  the  proposed 
union,  but  requested  that  the  subject  might  be  kept  concealed 
till  he  returned  with  his  army  from  the  expedition  to  Karugsar, 
and  was  able  to  consult  with  Minuchihr. 


60  FIRDUSI 

Zal,  exulting  at  his  success,  communicated  the  glad  tidings 
to  Rudabeh  by  their  female  emissary,  who  had  hitherto  carried 
on  successfully  the  correspondence  between  them.  But  as  she 
was  conveying  an  answer  to  this  welcome  news,  and  some  pres- 
ents to  Zal,  Sindokht,  the  mother  of  Rudabeh,  detected  her, 
and,  examining  the  contents  of  the  packet,  she  found  sufficient 
evidence,  she  thought,  of  something  wrong. 

"  What  treachery  is  this?    What  have  we  here! 
Sirbund  and  male  attire?    Thou,  wretch,  confess! 
Disclose  thy  secret  doings." 

The  emissary,  however,  betrayed  nothing;  but  declared  that 
she  was  a  dealer  in  jewels  and  dresses,  and  had  been  only 
showing  her  merchandise  to  Rudabeh.  Sindokht,  in  extreme 
agitation  of  mind,  hastened  to  her  daughter's  apartment  to 
ascertain  the  particulars  of  this  affair,  when  Rudabeh  at  once 
fearlessly  acknowledged  her  unalterable  affection  for  Zal. 

"  I  love  him  so  devotedly,  all  day, 
All  night  my  tears  have  flowed  unceasingly; 
And  one  hair  of  his  head  I  prize  more  dearly 
Than  all  the  world  beside;  for  him  I  live; 
And  we  have  met,  and  we  have  sat  together, 
And  pledged  our  mutual  love  with  mutual  joy 
And  innocence  of  heart." 

Rudabeh  further  informed  her  of  Sam's  consent  to  their 
nuptials,  which  in  some  degree  satisfied  the  mother.  But  when 
Mihrab  was  made  acquainted  with  the  arrangement,  his  rage 
was  unbounded,  for  he  dreaded  the  resentment  of  Sam  and 
Minuchihr  when  the  circumstances  became  fully  known  to 
them.  Trembling  with  indignation  he  drew  his  dagger,  and 
would  have  instantly  rushed  to  Rudabeh's  chamber  to  destroy 
her,  had  not  Sindokht  fallen  at  his  feet  and  restrained  him. 
He  insisted,  however,  on  her  being  brought  before  him ;  and 
upon  his  promise  not  to  do  her  any  harm,  Sindokht  complied. 
Rudabeh  disdained  to  take  off  her  ornaments  to  appear  as  an 
offender  and  a  supplicant,  but,  proud  of  her  choice,  went  into 
her  father's  presence,  gayly  adorned  with  jewels,  and  in  splen- 
did apparel.  Mihrab  received  her  with  surprise. 

"Why  all  this  glittering  finery?     Is  the  devil 
United  to  an  angel?    When  a  snake 
Is  met  with  in  Arabia,  it  is  killed !  " 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  61 

But  Rudabeh  answered  not  a  word,  and  was  permitted  to  retire 
with  her  mother. 

When  Minuchihr  was  apprised  of  the  proceedings  between 
Zal  and  Rudabeh,  he  was  deeply  concerned,  anticipating  noth- 
ing but  confusion  and  ruin  to  Persia  from  the  united  influence 
of  Zal  and  Mihrab.  Feridun  had  purified  the  world  from  the 
abominations  of  Zohak,  and  as  Mihrab  was  a  descendant  of 
that  merciless  tyrant,  he  feared  that  some  attempt  would  be 
made  to  resume  the  enormities  of  former  times ;  Sam  was 
therefore  required  to  give  his  advice  on  the  occasion. 

The  conqueror  of  Karugsar  and  Mazinderan  was  received 
on  his  return  with  cordial  rejoicings,  and  he  charmed  the  king 
with  the  story  of  his  triumphant  success.  The  monarch  against 
whom  he  had  fought  was  descended,  on  the  mother's  side,  from 
Zohak,  and  his  Demon  army  was  more  numerous  than  ants,  or 
clouds  of  locusts,  covering  mountain  and  plain.  Sam  thus  pro- 
ceeded in  his  description  of  the  conflict. 

"  And  when  he  heard  my  voice,  and  saw  what  deeds 
I  had  performed,  approaching  me,  he  threw 
His  noose;  but  downward  bending  I  escaped, 
And  with  my  bow  I  showered  upon  his  head 
Steel-pointed  arrows,  piercing  through  the  brain; 
Then  did  I  grasp  his  loins,  and  from  his  horse 
Cast  him  upon  the  ground,  deprived  of  life. 
At  this,  the  demons  terrified  and  pale, 
Shrunk  back,  some  flying  to  the  mountain  wilds, 
And  others,  taken  on  the  battle-field, 
Became  obedient  to  the  Persian  king." 

Minuchihr,  gratified  by  this  result  of  the  expedition,  ap- 
pointed Sam  to  a  new  enterprise,  which  was  to  destroy  Kabul 
by  fire  and  sword,  especially  the  house  of  Mihrab ;  and  that 
ruler,  of  the  serpent-race,  and  all  his  adherents  were  to  be  put 
to  death.  Sam,  before  he  took  leave  to  return  to  his  own 
government  at  Zabul,  tried  to  dissuade  him  from  this  violent 
exercise  of  revenge,  but  without  making  any  sensible  impres- 
sion upon  him. 

Meanwhile  the  vindictive  intentions  of  Minuchihr,  which 
were  soon  known  at  Kabul,  produced  the  greatest  alarm  and 
consternation  in  the  family  of  Mihrab.  Zal  now  returned  to 
his  father,  and  Sam  sent  a  letter  to  Minuchihr,  again  to  depre- 
cate his  wrath,  and  appointed  Zal  the  messenger.  In  this  letter 


62  FIRDUSI 

Sam  enumerates  his  services  at  Karugsar  and  Mazinderan, 
and  especially  dwells  upon  the  destruction  of  a  prodigious 
dragon. 

"  I  am  thy  servant,  and  twice  sixty  years 
Have  seen  my  prowess.     Mounted  on  my  steed, 
Wielding  my  battle-axe,  o'erthrowing  heroes, 
Who  equals  Sam,  the  warrior?    I  destroyed 
The  mighty  monster,  whose  devouring  jaws 
Unpeopled  half  the  land,  and  spread  dismay 
From  town  to  town.    The  world  was  full  of  horror, 
No  bird  was  seen  in  air,  no  beast  of  prey 
In  plain  or  forest;  from  the  stream  he  drew 
The  crocodile;  the  eagle  from  the  sky. 
The  country  had  no  habitant  alive, 
And  when  I  found  no  human  being  left, 
I  cast  away  all  fear,  and  girt  my  loins, 
And  in  the  name  of  God  went  boldly  forth, 
Armed  for  the  strife.     I  saw  him  towering  rise, 
Huge  as  a  mountain,  with  his  hideous  hair 
Dragging  upon  the  ground;  his  long  black  tongue 
Shut  up  the  path;  his  eyes  two  lakes  of  blood; 
And,  seeing  me,  so  horrible  his  roar, 
The  earth  shook  with  affright,  and  from  his  mouth 
A  flood  of  poison  issued.     Like  a  lion 
Forward  I  sprang,  and  in  a  moment  drove 
A  diamond-pointed  arrow  through  his  tongue, 
Fixing  him  to  the  ground.    Another  went 
Down  his  deep  throat,  and  dreadfully  he  writhed. 
A  third  passed  through  his  middle.    Then  I  raised 
My  battle-axe,  cow-headed,  and  with  one 
Tremendous  blow,  dislodged  his  venomous  brain, 
And  deluged  all  around  with  blood  and  poison. 
There  lay  the  monster  dead,  and  soon  the  world 
Regained  its  peace  and  comfort.     Now  I'm  old, 
The  vigour  of  my  youth  is  past  and  gone, 
And  it  becomes  me  to  resign  my  station, 

}  To  Zal,  my  gallant  son." 

Mihrab  continued  in  such  extreme  agitation,  that  in  his  own 
mind  he  saw  no  means  of  avoiding  the  threatened  desolation 
of  his  country  but  by  putting  his  wife  and  daughter  to  death. 
Sindokht  however  had  a  better  resource,  and  suggested  the 
expediency  of  waiting  upon  Sam  herself,  to  induce  him  to  for- 
ward her  own  views  and  the  nuptials  between  Zal  and  Rudabeh. 
To  this  Mihrab  assented,  and  she  proceeded,  mounted  on  a 
richly  caparisoned  horse,  to  Zabul  with  most  magnificent  pres- 


THE   SHAH    N^MEH  63 

ents,  consisting  of  three  hundred  thousand  dinars ;  ten  horses 
with  golden,  and  thirty  with  silver,  housings ;  sixty  richly  at- 
tired damsels,  carrying  golden  trays  of  jewels  and  musk,  and 
camphor,  and  wine,  and  sugar ;  forty  pieces  of  figured  cloth ; 
a  hundred  milch  camels,  and  a  hundred  others  for  burden ; 
two  hundred  Indian  swords,  a  golden  crown  and  throne,  and 
four  elephants.  Sam  was  amazed  and  embarrassed  by  the  ar- 
rival of  this  splendid  array.  If  he  accepted  the  presents,  he 
would  incur  the  anger  of  Minuchihr;  and  if  he  rejected  them, 
Zal  would  be  disappointed  and  driven  to  despair.  He  at  length 
accepted  them,  and  concurred  in  the  wishes  of  Sindokht  re- 
specting the  union  of  the  two  lovers. 

When  Zal  arrived  at  the  court  of  Minuchihr,  he  was  received 
with  honor,  and  the  letter  of  Sam  being  read,  the  king  was 
prevailed  upon  to  consent  to  the  pacific  proposals  that  were 
made  in  favor  of  Mihrab,  and  the  nuptials.  He  too  consulted 
his  astrologers,  and  was  informed  that  the  offspring  of  Zal 
and  Rudabeh  would  be  a  hero  of  matchless  strength  and  valor. 
Zal,  on  his  return  through  Kabul,  had  an  interview  with 
Rudabeh,  who  welcomed  him  in  the  most  rapturous  terms : — 

Be  thou  for  ever  blest,  for  I  adore  thee, 
And  make  the  dust  of  thy  fair  feet  my  pillow. 

In  short,  with  the  approbation  of  all  parties  the  marriage  at 
length  took  place,  and  was  celebrated  at  the  beautiful  summer- 
house  where  first  the  lovers  met.  Sam  was  present  at  Kabul 
on  the  happy  occasion,  and  soon  afterwards  returned  to  Sistan, 
preparatory  to  resuming  his  martial  labors  in  Karugsar  and 
Mazinderan. 

As  the  time  drew  near  that  Rudabeh  should  become  a 
mother,  she  suffered  extremely  from  constant  indisposition, 
and  both  Zal  and  Sindokht  were  in  the  deepest  distress  on  ac- 
count of  her  precarious  state. 

The  cypress  leaf  was  withering;  pale  she  lay, 

Unsoothed  by  rest  or  sleep,  death  seemed  approaching. 

At  last  Zal  recollected  the  feather  of  the  Simurgh,  and  fol- 
lowed the  instructions  which  he  had  received,  by  placing  it 
on  the  fire.  In  a  moment  darkness  surrounded  them,  which 
was,  however,  immediately  dispersed  by  the  sudden  appear- 
ance of  the  Simurgh.  "  Why,"  said  the  Simurgh,  "  do  I  see  all 


64  FIRDUSI 

this  grief  and  sorrow  ?  Why  are  the  tear-drops  in  the  warrior's 
eyes  ?  A  child  will  be  born  of  mighty  power,  who  will  become 
the  wonder  of  the  world." 

The  Simurgh  then  gave  some  advice  which  was  implicitly 
attended  to,  and  the  result  was  that  Rudabeh  was  soon  out  of 
danger.  Never  was  beheld  so  prodigious  a  child.  The  father 
and  mother  were  equally  amazed.  They  called  the  boy  Rus- 
tem.  On  the  first  day  he  looked  a  year  old,  and  he  required 
the  milk  of  ten  nurses.  A  likeness  of  him  was  immediately 
worked  in  silk,  representing  him  upon  a  horse,  and  armed 
like  a  warrior,  which  was  sent  to  Sam,  who  was  then  fighting 
in  Mazinderan,  and  it  made  the  old  champion  almost  delirious 
with  joy.  At  Kabul  and  Zabul  there  was  nothing  but  feasting 
and  rejoicing,  as  soon  as  the  tidings  were  known,  and  thou- 
sands of  dinars  were  given  away  in  charity  to  the  poor.  When 
Rustem  was  five  years  of  age,  he  ate  as  much  as  a  man,  and 
some  say  that  even  in  his  third  year  he  rode  on  horseback. 
In  his  eighth  year  he  was  as  powerful  as  any  hero  of  the  time. 

In  beauty  of  form  and  in  vigour  of  limb, 
No  mortal  was  ever  seen  equal  to  him. 

Both  Sam  and  Mihrab,  though  far  distant  from  the  scene 
of  felicity,  were  equally  anxious  to  proceed  to  Zabulistan  to 
behold  their  wonderful  grandson.  Both  set  off,  but  Mihrab 
arrived  first  with  great  pomp,  and  a  whole  army  for  his  suite, 
and  went  forth  with  Zal  to  meet  Sam,  and  give  him  an  hon- 
orable welcome.  The  boy  Rustem  was  mounted  on  an  ele- 
phant, wearing  a  splendid  crown,  and  wanted  to  join  them, 
but  his  father  kindly  prevented  him  undergoing  the  inconven- 
ience of  alighting.  Zal  and  Mihrab  dismounted  as  soon  as  Sam 
was  seen  at  a  distance,  and  performed  the  ceremonies  of  an 
affectionate  reception.  Sam  was  indeed  amazed  when  he  did 
see  the  boy,  and  showered  blessings  on  his  head. 

Afterwards  Sam  placed  Mihrab  on  his  right  hand,  and  Zal 
on  his  left,  and  Rustem  before  him,  and  began  to  converse  with 
his  grandson,  who  thus  manifested  to  him  his  martial  dis- 
position. 

"  Thou  art  the  champion  of  the  world,  and  I 
The  branch  of  that  fair  tree  of  which  thou  art 
The  glorious  root:  to  thee  I  am  devoted, 
But  ease  and  leisure  have  no  charms  for  me; 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  65 

Nor  music,  nor  the  songs  of  festive  joy. 
Mounted  and  armed,  a  helmet  on  my  brow, 
A  javelin  in  my  grasp,  I  long  to  meet 
The  foe,  and  cast  his  severed  head  before  thee." 

Then  Sam  made  a  royal  feast,  and  every  apartment  in  his 
palace  was  richly  decorated,  and  resounded  with  mirth  and 
rejoicing.  Mihrab  was  the  merriest,  and  drank  the  most,  and 
in  his  cups  saw  nothing  but  himself,  so  vain  had  he  become 
from  the  countenance  he  had  received.  He  kept  saying: — 

"  Now  I  feel  no  alarm  about  Sam  or  Zal-zer, 
Nor  the  splendour  and  power  of  the  great  Minuchihr; 
Whilst  aided  by  Rustem,  his  sword,  and  his  mace, 
Not  a  cloud  of  misfortune  can  shadow  my  face. 
All  the  laws  of  Zohak  I  will  quickly  restore, 
And  the  world  shall  be  fragrant  and  blest  as  before." 

This  exultation  plainly  betrayed  the  disposition  of  his  race ; 
and  though  Sam  smiled  at  the  extravagance  of  Mihrab,  he 
looked  up  towards  Heaven,  and  prayed  that  Rustem  might  not 
prove  a  tyrant,  but  be  continually  active  in  doing  good,  and 
humble  before  God. 

Upon  Sam  departing,  on  his  return  to  Karugsar  and  Mazin- 
deran,  Zal  went  with  Rustem  to  Sistan,  a  province  dependent 
on  his  government,  and  settled  him  there.  The  white  elephant, 
belonging  to  Minuchihr,  was  kept  at  Sistan.  One  night  Rus- 
tem was  awakened  out  of  his  sleep  by  a  great  noise,  and  cries 
of  distress  when  starting  up  and  inquiring  the  cause,  he  was 
told  that  the  white  elephant  had  got  loose,  and  was  trampling 
and  crushing  the  people  to  death.  In  a  moment  he  issued  from 
his  apartment,  brandishing  his  mace ;  but  was  soon  stopped 
by  the  servants,  who  were  anxious  to  expostulate  with  him 
against  venturing  out  in  the  darkness  of  night  to  encounter  a 
ferocious  elephant.  Impatient  at  being  thus  interrupted  he 
knocked  down  one  of  the  watchmen,  who  fell  dead  at  his  feet, 
and  the  others  running  away,  he  broke  the  lock  of  the  gate, 
and  escaped.  He  immediately  opposed  himself  to  the  enor- 
mous animal,  which  looked  like  a  mountain,  and  kept  roaring 
like  the  River  Nil.  Regarding  him  with  a  cautious  and  steady 
eye,  he  gave  a  loud  shout,  and  fearlessly  struck  him  a  blow, 
with  such  strength  and  vigor,  that  the  iron  mace  was  bent 
almost  double.  The  elephant  trembled,  and  soon  fell  ex- 
VOL.  I.— 5 


66  FIRDUSI 

hausted  and  lifeless  in  the  dust.  When  it  was  communicated 
to  Zal  that  Rustem  had  killed  the  animal  with  one  blow,  he 
was  amazed,  and  fervently  returned  thanks  to  heaven.  He 
called  him  to  him,  and  kissed  him,  and  said :  "  My  darling  boy, 
thou  art  indeed  unequalled  in  valor  and  magnanimity." 

Then  it  occurred  to  Zal  that  Rustem,  after  such  an  achieve- 
ment, would  be  a  proper  person  to  take  vengeance  on  the 
enemies  of  his  grandfather  Nariman,  who  was  sent  by  Feridun 
with  a  large  army  against  an  enchanted  fort  situated  upon  the 
mountain  Sipund,  and  who  whilst  endeavoring  to  effect  his 
object,  was  killed  by  a  piece  of  rock  thrown  down  from  above 
by  the  besieged.  The  fort,*  which  was  many  miles  high,  in- 
closed beautiful  lawns  of  the  freshest  verdure,  and  delightful 
gardens  abounding  with  fruit  and  flowers ;  it  was  also  full  of 
treasure.  Sam,  on  hearing  of  the  fate  of  his  father,  was  deeply 
afflicted,  and  in  a  short  time  proceeded  against  the  fort  himself ; 
but  he  was  surrounded  by  a  trackless  desert.  He  knew  not 
what  course  to  pursue ;  not  a  being  was  ever  seen  to  enter  or 
come  out  of  the  gates,  and,  after  spending  months  and  years 
in  fruitless  endeavors,  he  was  compelled  to  retire  from  the 
appalling  enterprise  in  despair.  "  Now,"  said  Zal  to  Rustem, 
"  the  time  is  come,  and  the  remedy  is  at  hand ;  thou  art  yet 
unknown,  and  may  easily  accomplish  our  purpose."  Rustem 
agreed  to  the  proposed  adventure,  and  according  to  his 
father's  advice,  assumed  the  dress  and  character  of  a  salt-mer- 
chant, prepared  a  caravan  of  camels,  and  secreted  arms  for 
himself  and  companions  among  the  loads  of  salt.  Everything 
being  ready  they  set  off,  and  it  was  not  long  before  they 
reached  the  fort  on  the  mountain  Sipund.  Salt  being  a  pre- 
cious article,  and  much  wanted,  as  soon  as  the  garrison  knew 
that  it  was  for  sale,  the  gates  were  opened ;  and  then  was 
Rustem  seen,  together  with  his  warriors,  surrounded  by  men, 
women,  and  children,  anxiously  making  their  purchases,  some 
giving  clothes  in  exchange,  some  gold,  and  some  silver,  with- 
out fear  or  suspicion. 

*  The  fort  called  Killah  Suffeed,  lies  by   numerous   springs.     The   ascent    is 

about    seventy-six    miles    northwest    of  near  three  miles,  and  for  the  last  five  or 

the  city  of  Shiraz.     It  is  of  an  oblong  six    hundred    yards,    the    summit    is    so 

form,  and  encloses  a  level  space  at  the  difficult  of  approach,  that  the  slightest 

top  of  the  mountain,  which  is  covered  opposition,  if  well  directed,  must  render 

with    delightful    verdure,    and    watered  it  impregnable. 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  67 

But  when  the  night  came  on,  and  it  was  dark, 
Rustem  impatient  drew  his  warriors  forth, 
And  moved  towards  the  mansion  of  the  chief — 
But  not  unheard.     The  unaccustomed  noise, 
Announcing  warlike  menace  and  attack, 
Awoke  the  Kotwal,  who  sprung  up  to  meet 
The  peril  threatened  by  the  invading  foe. 
Rustem  meanwhile  uplifts  his  ponderous  mace, 
And  cleaves  his  head,  and  scatters  on  the  ground 
The  reeking  brains.    And  now  the  garrison 
Are  on  the  alert,  all  hastening  to  the  spot 
Where  battle  rages;  midst  the  deepened  gloom 
Flash  sparkling  swords,  which  show  the  crimson  earth 
Bright  as  the  ruby. 

Rustem  continued  fighting  with  the  people  of  the  fort  all  night, 
and  just  as  morning  dawned,  he  discovered  the  chief  and  slew 
him.  Those  who  survived,  then  escaped,  and  not  one  of  the 
inhabitants  remained  within  the  walls  alive.  Rustem's  next 
object  was  to  enter  the  governor's  mansion.  It  was  built  of 
stone,  and  the  gate,  which  was  made  of  iron,  he  burst  open 
with  his  battle-axe,  and  advancing  onward,  he  discovered  a 
temple,  constructed  with  infinite  skill  and  science,  beyond  the 
power  of  mortal  man,  and  which  contained  amazing  wealth,  in 
jewels  and  gold.  All  the  warriors  gathered  for  themselves 
as  much  treasure  as  they  could  carry  away,  and  more  than  im- 
agination can  conceive;  and  Rustem  wrote  to  Zal  to  know 
his  further  commands  on  the  subject  of  the  capture.  Zal, 
overjoyed  at  the  result  of  the  enterprise,  replied: 

Thou  hast  illumed  the  soul  of  Nariman, 
Now  in  the  blissful  bowers  of  Paradise, 
By  punishing  his  foes  with  fire  and  sword. 

He  then  recommended  him  to  load  all  the  camels  with  as  much 
of  the  invaluable  property  as  could  be  removed,  and  bring  it 
away,  and  then  burn  and  destroy  the  whole  place,  leaving  not 
a  single  vestige ;  and  the  command  having  been  strictly  com- 
plied with,  Rustem  retraced  his  steps  to  Zabulistan. 

On  his  return  Zal  pressed  him  to  his  heart, 
And  paid  him  public  honors.    The  fond  mother 
Kissed  and  embraced  her  darling  son,  and  all 
Uniting,  showered  their  blessings  on  his  head. 


T 


68  FIRDUSI 


DEATH   OF  MINUCHIHR 

To  Minuchihr  we  now  must  turn  again, 
And  mark  the  close  of  his  illustrious  reign. 

HE  king  had  flourished  one  hundred  and  twenty  years, 
when  now  the  astrologers  ascertained  that  the  period 
of  his  departure  from  this  life  was  at  hand. 

They  told  him  of  that  day  of  bitterness, 

Which  would  obscure  the  splendour  of  his  throne; 

And  said — "  The  time  approaches,  thou  must  go, 

Doubtless  to  Heaven.    Think  what  thou  hast  to  do; 

And  be  it  done  before  the  damp  cold  earth 

Inshrine  thy  body.     Let  not  sudden  death 

O'ertake  thee,  ere  thou  art  prepared  to  die!" 

Warned  by  the  wise,  he  called  his  courtiers  round  him, 

And  thus  he  counselled  Nauder: — "  O,  my  son! 

Fix  not  thy  heart  upon  a  regal  crown, 

For  this  vain  world  is  fleeting  as  the  wind; 

The  pain  and  sorrows  of  twice  sixty  years 

Have  I  endured,  though  happiness  and  joy 

Have  also  been  my  portion.     I  have  fought 

In  many  a  battle,  vanquished  many  a  foe; 

By  Feridun's  commands  I  girt  my  loins, 

And  his  advice  has  ever  been  my  guide. 

I  hurled  just  vengeance  on  the  tyrant-brothers 

Silim  and  Tur,  who  slew  the  gentle  Irij; 

And  cities  have  I  built,  and  made  the  tree 

Which  yielded  poison,  teem  with  wholesome  fruit. 

And  now  to  thee  the  kingdom  I  resign, 

That  kingdom  which  belonged  to  Feridun, 

And  thou  wilt  be  the  sovereign  of  the  world! 

But  turn  not  from  the  worship  of  thy  God, 

That  sacred  worship  Moses  taught,  the  best 

Of  all  the  prophets;  turn  not  from  the  path 

Of  purest  holiness,  thy  father's  choice. 

"  My  son,  events  of  peril  are  before  thee; 
Thy  enemy  will  come  in  fierce  array, 
From  the  wild  mountains  of  Turan,  the  son 
Of  Poshang,  the  invader.     In  that  hour 
Of  danger,  seek  the  aid  of  Sam  and  Zal, 
And  that  young  branch  just  blossoming;  Turin 
Will  then  have  no  safe  buckler  of  defence, 
None  to  protect  it  from  their  conquering  arms." 


THE   SHAH   NAMEH  69 

Thus  spoke  the  sire  prophetic  to  his  son, 
And  both  were  moved  to  tears.     Again  the  king 
Resumed  his  warning  voice:  "  Nauder,  I  charge  thee 
Place  not  thy  trust  upon  a  world  like  this, 
Where  nothing  fixed  remains.    The  caravan 
Goes  to  another  city,  one  to-day, 
The  next,  to-morrow,  each  observes  its  turn 
And  time  appointed — mine  has  come  at  last, 
And  I  must  travel  on  the  destined  road." 

At  the  period  Minuchihr  uttered  this  exhortation,  he  was  en- 
tirely free  from  indisposition,  but  he  shortly  afterwards  closed 
his  eyes  in  death. 


NAUDER 

UPON  the  demise  of  Minuchihr,  Nauder  ascended  the 
throne,  and  commenced  his  reign  in  the  most  promis- 
ing manner;  but  before  two  months  had  passed,  he 
neglected  the  counsels  of  his  father,  and  betrayed  the  despotic 
character  of  his  heart.  To  such  an  extreme  did  he  carry  his 
oppression,  that  to  escape  from  his  violence,  the  people  were 
induced  to  solicit  other  princes  to  come  and  take  possession 
of  the  empire.  The  courtiers  labored  under  the  greatest  em- 
barrassment, their  monarch  being  solely  occupied  in  extorting 
money  from  his  subjects,  and  amassing  wealth  for  his  own 
coffers.  Nauder  was  not  long  in  perceiving  the  dissatisfaction 
that  universally  prevailed,  and,  anticipating,  not  only  an  im- 
mediate revolt,  but  an  invading  army,  solicited,  according  to 
his  father's  advice,  the  assistance  of  Sam,  then  at  Mazinderan. 
The  complaints  of  the  people,  however,  reached  Sam  before 
the  arrival  of  the  messenger,  and  when  he  received  the  letter, 
he  was  greatly  distressed  on  account  of  the  extreme  severity 
exercised  by  the  new  king.  The  champion,  in  consequence, 
proceeded  forthwith  from  Mazinderan  to  Persia,  and  when 
he  entered  the  capital,  he  was  joyously  welcomed,  and  at  once 
entreated  by  the  people  to  take  the  sovereignty  upon  himself. 
It  was  said  of  Nauder : 

The  gloom  of  tyranny  has  hid 

The  light  his  father's  counsel  gave; 
The  hope  of  life  is  lost  amid 

The  desolation  of  the  grave. 


70  FIRDUSI 

The  world  is  withering  in  his  thrall, 

Exhausted  by  his  iron  sway; 
Do  thou  ascend  the  throne,  and  all 

Will  cheerfully  thy  will  obey. 

But  Sam  said,  "No ;  I  should  then  be  ungrateful  to  Minuchihr, 
a  traitor,  and  deservedly  offensive  in  the  eyes  of  God.  Nauder 
is  the  king,  and  I  am  bound  to  do  him  service,  although  he 
has  deplorably  departed  from  the  advice  of  his  father."  He 
then  soothed  the  alarm  and  irritation  of  the  chiefs,  and  en- 
gaging to  be  a  mediator  upon  the  unhappy  occasion,  brought 
them  to  a  more  pacific  tone  of  thinking.  After  this  he  imme- 
diately repaired  to  Nauder,  who  received  him  with  great  favor 
and  kindness.  "  O  king,"  said  he,  "  only  keep  Feridun  in 
remembrance,  and  govern  the  empire  'in  such  a  manner  that 
thy  name  may  be  honored  by  thy  subjects ;  for,  be  well  as- 
sured, that  he  who  has  a  just  estimate  of  the  world,  will  never 
look  upon  it  as  his  place  of  rest.  It  is  but  an  inn,  where  all 
travellers  meet  on  their  way  to  eternity,  but  must  not  remain. 
The  wise  consider  those  who  fix  their  affections  on  this  life, 
as  utterly  devoid  of  reason  and  reflection : 

Pleasure,  and  pomp,  and  wealth  may  be  obtained — 

And  every  want  luxuriously  supplied: 

But  suddenly,  without  a  moment's  warning, 

Death  comes,  and  hurls  the  monarch  from  his  throne, 

His  crown  and  sceptre  scattering  in  the  dust. 

He  who  is  satisfied  with  earthly  joys, 

Can  never  know  the  blessedness  of  Heaven; 

His  soul  must  still  be  dark.     Why  do  the  good 

Suffer  in  this  world,  but  to  be  prepared 

For  future  rest  and  happiness?    The  name 

Of  Feridun  is  honoured  among  men, 

Whilst  curses  load  the  memory  of  Zohak." 

This  intercession  of  Sam  produced  an  entire  change  in  the 
government  of  Nauder,  who  promised,  in  future,  to  rule  his 
people  according  to  the  principles  of  Husheng,  and  Feridun, 
and  Minuchihr.  The  chiefs  and  captains  of  the  army  were,  in 
consequence,  contented,  and  the  kingdom  reunited  itself  under 
his  sway. 

In  the  meantime,  however,  the  news  of  the  death  of  Minu- 
chihr, together  with  Nauder's  injustice  and  severity,  and  the 
disaffection  of  his  people,  had  reached  Turan,  of  which  country 


THE   SHAH   NAMEH  71 

Poshang,  a  descendant  from  Tur,  was  then  the  sovereign. 
Poshang,  who  had  been  unable  to  make  a  single  successful 
hostile  movement  during  the  life  of  Minuchihr,  at  once  con- 
ceived this  to  be  a  fit  opportunity  of  taking  revenge  for  the 
blood  of  Silim  and  Tur,  and  every  appearance  seeming  to  be 
in  his  favor,  he  called  before  him  his  heroic  son  Afrasiyab,  and 
explained  to  him  his  purpose  and  views.  It  was  not  difficult 
to  inspire  the  youthful  mind  of  Afrasiyab  with  the  sentiments 
he  himself  cherished,  and  a  large  army  was  immediately  col- 
lected to  take  the  field  against  Nauder.  Poshang  was  proud 
of  the  chivalrous  spirit  and  promptitude  displayed  by  his  son, 
who  is  said  to  have  been  as  strong  as  a  lion,  or  an  elephant, 
and  whose  shadow  extended  miles.  His  tongue  was  like  a 
bright  sword,  and  his  heart  as  bounteous  as  the  ocean,  and  his 
hands  like  the  clouds  when  rain  falls  to  gladden  the  thirsty 
earth.  Aghriras,  the  brother  of  Afrasiyab,  however,  was  not 
so  precipitate.  He  cautioned  his  father  to  be  prudent,  for 
though  Persia  could  no  longer  boast  of  the  presence  of  Minu- 
chihr, still  the  great  warrior  Sam,  and  Karun,  and  Garshasp, 
were  living,  and  Poshang  had  only  to  look  at  the  result  of  the 
wars  in  which  Silim  and  Tur  were  involved,  to  be  convinced 
that  the  existing  conjuncture  required  mature  deliberation. 
"  It  would  be  better,"  said  he,  "  not  to  begin  the  contest  at  all, 
than  to  bring  ruin  and  desolation  on  our  own  country."  Pos- 
hang, on  the  contrary,  thought  the  time  peculiarly  fit  and  in- 
viting, and  contended  that,  as  Minuchihr  took  vengeance  for 
the  blood  of  his  grandfather,  so  ought  Afrasiyab  to  take  ven- 
geance for  his.  "  The  grandson,"  he  said,  "  who  refuses  to  do 
this  act  of  justice,  is  unworthy  of  his  family.  There  is  noth- 
ing to  apprehend  from  the  efforts  of  Nauder,  who  is  an  inex- 
perienced youth,  nor  from  the  valor  of  his  warriors.  Afrasiyab 
is  brave  and  powerful  in  war,  and  thou  must  accompany  him 
and  share  the  glory."  After  this  no  further  observation  was 
offered,  and  the  martial  preparations  were  completed. 


72  FIRDUSI 


AFRASIYAB  MARCHES  AGAINST  NAUDER 

THE  brazen  drums  on  the  elephants  were  sounded  as  the 
signal  of  departure,  and  the  army  proceeded  rapidly 
to  its  destination,  overshadowing  the  earth  in  its  prog- 
ress.    Afrasiyab  had  penetrated  as  far  as  the  Jihun  before 
Nauder  was  aware  of  his  approach.     Upon  receiving  this  in- 
telligence of  the  activity  of  the  enemy,  the  warriors  of  the  Per- 
sian army  immediately  moved  in  that  direction,  and  on  their 
arrival  at  Dehstan,  prepared  for  battle. 

Afrasiyab  despatched  thirty  thousand  of  his  troops  under 
the  command  of  Shimasas  and  Khazervan  to  Zabulistan,  to 
act  against  Zal,  having  heard  on  his  march  of  the  death  of 
the  illustrious  Sam,  and  advanced  himself  upon  Dehstan  with 
four  hundred  thousand  soldiers,  covering  the  ground  like 
swarms  of  ants  and  locusts.  He  soon  discovered  that  Nauder's 
forces  did  not  exceed  one  hundred  and  forty  thousand  men, 
and  wrote  to  Poshang,  his  father,  in  high  spirits,  especially  on 
account  of  not  having  to  contend  against  Sam,  the  warrior, 
and  informed  him  that  he  had  detached  Shimasas  against 
Zabulistan.  When  the  armies  had  approached  to  within  two 
leagues  of  each  other,  Barman,  one  of  the  Turanian  chiefs, 
offered  to  challenge  any  one  of  the  enemy  to  single  combat: 
but  Aghriras  objected  to  it,  not  wishing  that  so  valuable  a  hero 
should  run  the  hazard  of  discomfiture.  At  this  Afrasiyab  was 
very  indignant  and  directed  Barman  to  follow  the  bent  of  his 
own  inclinations. 

"  'Tis  not  for  us  to  shrink  from  Persian  foe, 
Put  on  thy  armour,  and  prepare  thy  bow." 

Accordingly  the  challenge  was  given.  Karun  looked  round, 
and  the  only  person  who  answered  the  call  was  the  aged  Kobad, 
his  brother.  Karun  and  Kobad  were  both  sons  of  Kavah,  the 
blacksmith,  and  both  leaders  in  the  Persian  army.  No  per- 
suasion could  restrain  Kobad  from  the  unequal  conflict.  He 
resisted  all  the  entreaties  of  Karun,  who  said  to  him — 

"  O,  should  thy  hoary  locks  be  stained  with  blood, 
Thy  legions  will  be  overwhelmed  with  grief, 


THE  SH^H   N^MEH  73 

And,  in  despair,  decline  the  coming  battle." 
But  what  was  the  reply  of  brave  Kobad? 
"  Brother,  this  body,  this  frail  tenement, 
Belongs  to  death.     No  living  man  has  ever 
Gone  up  to  Heaven — for  all  are  doomed  to  die. — 
Some  by  the  sword,  the  dagger,  or  the  spear, 
And  some,  devoured  by  roaring  beasts  of  prey; 
Some  peacefully  upon  their  beds,  and  others 
Snatched  suddenly  from  life,  endure  the  lot 
Ordained  by  the  Creator.     If  I  perish, 
Does  not  my  brother  live,  my  noble  brother, 
To  bury  me  beneath  a  warrior's  tomb, 
And  bless  my  memory?" 

Saying  this,  he  rushed  forward,  and  the  two  warriors  met  in 
desperate  conflict.  The  struggle  lasted  all  day ;  at  last  Barman 
threw  a  stone  at  his  antagonist  with  such  force,  that  Kobad 
in  receiving  the  blow  fell  lifeless  from  his  horse.  When 
Karum  saw  that  his  brother  was  slain,  he  brought  forward  his 
whole  army  to  be  revenged  for  the  death  of  Kobad.  Afrasi- 
yab himself  advanced  to  the  charge,  and  the  encounter  was 
dreadful.  The  soldiers  who  fell  among  the  Turanians  could 
not  be  numbered,  but  the  Persians  lost  fifty  thousand  men. 

Loud  neighed  the  steeds,  and  their  resounding  hoofs, 
Shook  the  deep  caverns  of  the  earth;  the  dust 
Rose  up  in  clouds  and  hid  the  azure  heavens — 
Bright  beamed  the  swords,  and  in  that  carnage  wide, 
Blood  flowed  like  water.     Night  alone  divided 
The  hostile  armies. 

When  the  battle  ceased  Karun  fell  back  upon  Dehstan,  and 
communicated  his  misfortune  to  Nauder,  who  lamented  the 
loss  of  Kobad,  even  more  than  that  of  Sam.  In  the  morning 
Karum  again  took  the  field  against  Afrasiyab,  and  the  con- 
flict was  again  terrible.  Nauder  boldly  opposed  himself  to  the 
enemy,  and  singling  out  Afrasiyab,  the  two  heroes  fought  with 
great  bravery  till  night  again  put  an  end  to  the  engagement. 
The  Persian  army  had  suffered  most,  and  Nauder  retired  to 
his  tent  disappointed,  fatigued,  and  sorrowful.  He  then 
called  to  mind  the  words  of  Minuchihr,  and  called  for  his  two 
sons,  Tiis  and  Gustahem.  With  melancholy  forebodings  he 
directed  them  to  return  to  Iran,  with  his  shubistan,  or  domes- 
tic establishment,  and  take  refuge  on  the  mountain  Alberz,  in 


74  FIRDUSI 

the  hope  that  some  one  of  the  race  of  Feridun  might  survive 
the  general  ruin  which  seemed  to  be  approaching. 

The  armies  rested  two -days.  On  the  third  the  reverberat- 
ing noise  of  drums  and  trumpets  announced  the  recommence- 
ment of  the  battle.  On  the  Persian  side  Shahpur  had  been 
appointed  in  the  room  of  Kobad,  and  Barman  and  Shiwaz  led 
the  right  and  left  of  the  Turanians  under  Afrasiyab. 

From  dawn  to  sunset,  mountain,  plain,  and  stream, 

Were  hid  from  view;  the  earth,  beneath  the  tread 

Of  myriads,  groaned;  and  when  the  javelins  cast 

Long  shadows  on  the  plain  at  even-tide, 

The  Tartar  host  had  won  the  victory; 

And  many  a  Persian  chief  fell  on  that  day: — 

Shahpur  himself  was  slain. 

When  Nauder  and  Karun  saw  the  unfortunate  result  of  the 
battle,  they  again  fell  back  upon  Dehstan,  and  secured  them- 
selves in  the  fort.  Afrasiyab  in  the  meantime  despatched 
Karukhan  to  Iran,  through  the  desert,  with  a  body  of  horse- 
men, for  the  purpose  of  intercepting  and  capturing  the  shubis- 
tan  of  Nauder.  As  soon  as  Karun  heard  of  this  expedition  he 
was  all  on  fire,  and  proposed  to  pursue  the  squadron  under 
Karukhan,  and  frustrate  at  once  the  object  which  the  enemy 
had  in  view;  and  though  Nauder  was  unfavorable  to  this 
movement,  Karun,  supported  by  several  of  the  chiefs  and  a 
strong  volunteer  force,  set  off  at  midnight,  without  permission, 
on  this  important  enterprise.  It  was  not  long  before  they 
reached  the  Duz-i-Suped,  or  white  fort,  of  which  Gustahem 
was  the  governor,  and  falling  in  with  Barman,  who  was  also 
pushing  forward  to  Persia,  Karun,  in  revenge  for  his  brother 
Kobad,  sought  him  out,  and  dared  him  to  single  combat.  He 
threw  his  javelin  with  such  might,  that  his  antagonist  was 
driven  furiously  from  his  horse ;  and  then,  dismounting,  he  cut 
off  his  head,  and  hung  it  at  his  saddle-bow.  After  this  he  at- 
tacked and  defeated  the  Tartar  troops,  and  continued  his  march 
towards  Iran. 

Nauder  having  found  that  Karun  had  departed,  immediately 
followed,  and  Afrasiyab  was  not  long  in  pursuing  him.  The 
Turanians  at  length  came  up  with  Nauder,  and  attacked  him 
with  great  vigor.  The  unfortunate  king,  unable  to  parry  the 
onset,  fell  into  the  hands  of  his  enemies,  together  with  upwards 
of  one  thousand  of  his  famous  warriors. 


THE  SHAH    NAMEH  75 

Long  fought  they,  Nauder  and  the  Tartar-chief, 
And  the  thick  dust  which  rose  from  either  host, 
Darkened  the  rolling  Heavens.     Afrasiyab 
Seized  by  the  girdle-belt  the  Persian  king, 
And  furious,  dragged  him  from  his  foaming  horse. 
With  him  a  thousand  warriors,  high  in  name, 
Were  taken  on  the  field;  and  every  legion, 
Captured  whilst  flying  from  the  victor's  brand. 

Such  are  the  freaks  of  Fortune:  friend  and  foe 
Alternate  wear  the  crown.    The  world  itself 
Is  an  ingenious  juggler — every  moment 
Playing  some  novel  trick;  exalting  one 
In  pomp  and  splendour,  crushing  down  another, 
As  if  in  sport, — and  death  the  end  of  all! 

After  the  achievement  of  this  victory  Afrasiyab  directed  that 
Karun  should  be  pursued  and  attacked  wherever  he  might  be 
found ;  but  when  he  heard  that  he  had  hurried  on  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  shubistan,  and  had  conquered  and  slain  Barman, 
he  gnawed  his  hands  with  rage.  The  reign  of  Nauder  lasted 
only  seven  years.  After  him  Afrasiyab  was  the  master  of 
Persia. 


AFRASIYAB 

IT  has  already  been  said  that  Shimasas  and  Khazervan  were 
sent  by  Afrasiyab  with  thirty  thousand  men  against  Kabul 
and  Zabul,  and  when  Zal  heard  of  this  movement  he 
forthwith  united  with  Mihrab  the  chief  of  Kabul,  and  having 
first  collected  a  large  army  in  Sistan,  had  a  conflict  with  the 
two  Tartar  generals. 

Zal  promptly  donned  himself  in  war  attire, 

And,  mounted  like  a  hero,  to  the  field 

Hastened,  his  soldiers  frowning  on  their  steeds. 

Now  Khazervan  grasps  his  huge  battle-axe, 

And,  his  broad  shield  extending,  at  one  blow 

Shivers  the  mail  of  Zal,  who  calls  aloud 

As,  like  a  lion,  to  the  fight  he  springs, 

Armed  with  his  father's  mace.     Sternly  he  looks 

And  with  the  fury  of  a  dragon,  drives 

The  weapon  through  his  adversary's  head, 

Staining  the  ground  with  streaks  of  blood,  resembling 

The  waving  stripes  upon  a  tiger's  back. 


76  FIRDUSI 

At  this  time  Rustem  was  confined  at  home  with  the  small- 
pox. Upon  the  death  of  Khazervan,  Shimasas  thirsted  to  be 
revenged;  but  when  Zal  meeting  him  raised  his  mace,  and 
began  to  close,  the  chief  became  alarmed  and  turned  back,  and 
all  his  squadrons  followed  his  example. 

Fled  Shimasas,  and  all  his  fighting  train, 

Like  herds  by  tempests  scattered  o'er  the  plain. 

Zal  set  off  in  pursuit,  and  slew  a  great  number  of  the  enemy ; 
but  when  Afrasiyab  was  made  acquainted  with  this  defeat,  he 
immediately  released  Nauder  from  his  fetters,  and  in  his  rage 
instantly  deprived  him  of  life. 

He  struck  him  and  so  deadly  was  the  blow, 
Breath  left  the  body  in  a  moment's  space. 

After  this  Afrasiyab  turned  his  views  towards  Tus  and  Gusta- 
hem  in  the  hope  of  getting  them  into  his  hands ;  but  as  soon  as 
they  received  intimation  of  his  object,  the  two  brothers  retired 
from  Iran,  and  went  to  Sistan  to  live  under  the  protection  of 
Zal.  The  champion  received  them  with  due  respect  and  honor. 
Karun  also  went,  with  all  the  warriors  and  people  who  had 
been  supported  by  Nauder,  and  co-operated  with  Zal,  who  en- 
couraged them  with  the  hopes  of  future  success.  Zal,  however, 
considered  that  both  Tus  and  Gustahem  were  still  of  a  tender 
age — that  a  monarch  of  extraordinary  wisdom  and  energy  was 
required  to  oppose  Afrasiyab — that  he  himself  was  not  of  the 
blood  of  the  Kais,  nor  fit  for  the  duties  of  sovereignty,  and, 
therefore,  he  turned  his  thoughts  towards  Aghriras,  the  younger 
brother  of  Afrasiyab,  distinguished  as  he  was  for  his  valor, 
prudence,  and  humanity,  and  to  whom  Poshang,  his  father,  had 
given  the  government  of  Rai.  To  him  Zal  sent  an  envoy,  say- 
ing, that  if  he  would  proceed  to  Sistan,  he  should  be  supplied 
with  ample  resources  to  place  him  on  the  throne  of  Persia ;  that 
by  the  co-operation  of  Zal  and  all  his  warriors  the  conquest 
would  be  easy,  and  that  there  would  be  no  difficulty  in  destroy- 
ing the  power  of  Afrasiyab.  Aghriras  accepted  the  offer,  and 
immediately  proceeded  from  his  kingdom  of  Rai  towards  Sistan. 
On  his  arrival  at  Babel,  Afrasiyab  heard  of  his  ambitious  plans, 
and  lost  no  time  in  assembling  his  army  and  marching  to  arrest 
the  progress  of  his  brother.  Aghriras,  unable  to  sustain  a 
battle,  had  recourse  to  negotiation  and  a  conference,  in  which 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  77 

Afrasiyab  said  to  him,  "  What  rebellious  conduct  is  this,  of 
which  thou  art  guilty  ?  Is  not  the  country  of  Rai  sufficient  for 
thee,  that  thou  art  thus  aspiring  to  be  a  great  king  ?  "  Aghriras 
replied :  "  Why  reproach  and  insult  me  thus  ?  Art  thou  not 
ashamed  to  accuse  another  of  rebellious  conduct  ? 

Shame  might  have  held  thy  tongue;  reprove  not  me 

In  bitterness;  God  did  not  give  thee  power 

To  injure  man,  and  surely  not  thy  kin." 

Afrasiyab,  enraged  at  this  reproof, 

Replied  by  a  foul  deed — he  grasped  his  sword, 

And  with  remorseless  fury  slew  his  brother! 

When  intelligence  of  this  cruel  catastrophe  came  to  Zal's 
ears,  he  exclaimed :  "  Now  indeed  has  the  empire  of  Afrasiyab 
arrived  at  its  crisis : 

"  Yes,  yes,  the  tyrant's  throne  is  tottering  now, 
And  past  is  all  his  glory." 

Then  Zal  bound  his  loins  in  hostility  against  Afrasiyab,  and 
gathering  together  all  his  warriors,  resolved  upon  taking  re- 
venge for  the  death  of  Nauder,  and  expelling  the  tyrant  from 
Persia.  Neither  Tus  nor  Gustahem  being  yet  capable  of  sus- 
taining the  cares  and  duties  of  the  throne,  his  anxiety  was  to 
obtain  the  assistance  of  some  one  of  the  race  of  Feridun. 

These  youths  were  for  imperial  rule  unfit: 

A  king  of  royal  lineage  and  worth 

The  state  required,  and  none  could  he  remember 

Save  Tahmasp's  son,  descended  from  the  blood 

Of  Feridun. 


78  FIRDUSI 


ZAU 

AT  the  time  when  Silim  and  Tur  were  killed,  Tahmasp,  the 
son  of  Silim,  fled  from  the  country  and  took  refuge  in 
an  island,  where  he  died,  and  left  a  son  named  Zau.    Zal 
sent  Karun,  the  son  of  Kavah,  attended  by  a  proper  escort,  with 
overtures  to  Zau,  who  readily  complied,  and  was  under  favor- 
able circumstances  seated  upon  the  throne : 

Speedily,  in  arms, 

He  led  his  troops  to  Persia,  fought,  and  won 
A  kingdom,  by  his  power  and  bravery — 
And  happy  was  the  day  when  princely  Zau 
Was  placed  upon  that  throne  of  sovereignty; 
All  breathed  their  prayers  upon  his  future  reign, 
And  o'er  his  head  (the  customary  rite) 
Shower'd  gold  and  jewels. 

When  he  had  subdued  the  country,  he  turned  his  arms 
against  Afrasiyab,  who  in  consequence  of  losing  the  co-opera- 
tion of  the  Persians,  and  not  being  in  a  state  to  encounter  a 
superior  force,  thought  it  prudent  to  retreat,  and  return  to  his 
father.  The  reign  of  Zau  lasted  five  years,  after  which  he  died, 
and  was  succeeded  by  his  son  Garshasp. 


GARSHASP 

ARSHASP,  whilst  in  his  minority,  being  unacquainted 
with  the  affairs  of  government,  abided  in  "all  things  by 
the  judgment  and  counsels  of  Zal.  When  Afrasiyab 
arrived  at  Turan,  his  father  was  in  great  distress  and  anger  on 
account  of  the  inhuman  murder  of  Aghriras ;  and  so  exceed- 
ingly did  he  grieve,  that  he  would  not  endure  his  presence. 

And  when  Afrasiyab  returned,  his  sire, 

Poshang,  in  grief,  refused  to  see  his  face. 

To  him  the  day  of  happiness  and  joy 

Had  been  obscured  by  the  dark  clouds  of  night; 

And  thus  he  said:  "Why  didst  thou,  why  didst  thou 

In  power  supreme,  without  pretence  of  guilt, 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  79 

With  thy  own  hand  his  precious  life  destroy? 
Why  hast  thou  shed  thy  innocent  brother's  blood? 
In  this  life  thou  art  nothing  now  to  me; 
Away,  I  must  not  see  thy  face  again." 

Afrasiyab  continued  offensive  and  despicable  in  the  mind  of 
his  father  till  he  heard  that  Garshasp  was  unequal  to  rule  over 
Persia,  and  then  thinking  he  could  turn  the  warlike  spirit  of 
Afrasiyab  to  advantage,  he  forgave  the  crime  of  his  son.  He 
forthwith  collected  an  immense  army,  and  sent  him  again  to 
effect  the  conquest  of  Iran,  under  the  pretext  of  avenging  the 
death  of  Silim  and  Tur. 

Afrasiyab  a  mighty  army  raised, 
And  passing  plain  and  river,  mountain  high, 
And  desert  wild,  filled  all  the  Persian  realm 
With  consternation,  universal  dread. 

The  chief  authorities  of  the  country  applied  to  Zal  as  their 
only  remedy  against  the  invasion  of  Afrasiyab. 

They  said  to  Zal,  "  How  easy  is  the  task 

For  thee  to  grasp  the  world — then,  since  thou  canst 

Afford  us  succour,  yield  the  blessing  now; 

For,  lo!  the  King  Afrasiyab  has  come, 

In  all  his  power  and  overwhelming  might." 

Zal  replied  that  he  had  on  this  occasion  appointed  Rustem 
to  command  the  army,  and  to  oppose  the  invasion  of  Afrasiyab. 

And  thus  the  warrior  Zal  to  Rustem  spoke — 
"  Strong  as  an  elephant  thou  art,  my  son, 
Surpassing  thy  companions,  and  I  now 
Forewarn  thee  that  a  difficult  emprize, 
Hostile  to  ease  or  sleep,  demands  thy  care. 
'Tis  true,  of  battles  thou  canst  nothing  know, 
But  what  am  I  to  do?    This  is  no  time 
'  For  banquetting,  and  yet  thy  lips  still  breathe 
The  scent  of  milk,  a  proof  of  infancy; 
Thy  heart  pants  after  gladness  and  the  sweet 
Endearments  of  domestic  life;  can  I 
Then  send  thee  to  the  war  to  cope  with  heroes 
Burning  with  wrath  and  vengeance?"    Rustem  said — 
"  Mistake  me  not,  I  have  no  wish,  not  I, 
For  soft  endearments,  nor  domestic  life, 
Nor  home-felt  joys.    This  chest,  these  nervous  limbs, 
Denote  far  other  objects  of  pursuit, 
Than  a  luxurious  life  of  ease  and  pleasure." 


8o  FIRDUSI 

Zal  having  taken  great  pains  in  the  instruction  of  Rustem 
in  warlike  exercises,  and  the  rules  of  battle,  found  infinite  apti- 
tude in  the  boy,  and  his  activity  and  skill  seemed  to  be  superior 
to  his  own.  He  thanked  God  for  the  comfort  it  gave  him,  and 
was  glad.  Then  Rustem  asked  his  father  for  a  suitable  mace ; 
and  seeing  the  huge  weapon  which  was  borne  by  the  great 
Sam,  he  took  it  up,  and  it  answered  his  purpose  exactly. 

When  the  young  hero  saw  the  mace  of  Sam 
He  smiled  with  pleasure,  and  his  heart  rejoiced; 
And  paying  homage  to  his  father  Zal, 
The  champion  of  the  age,  asked  for  a  steed 
Of  corresponding  power,  that  he  might  use 
That  famous  club  with  added  force  and  vigor. 

Zal  showed  him  all  the  horses  in  his  possession,  and  Rustem 
tried  many,  but  found  not  one  of  sufficient  strength  to  suit  him. 
At  last  his  eyes  fell  upon  a  mare  followed  by  a  foal  of  great 
promise,  beauty,  and  strength. 

Seeing  that  foal,  whose  bright  and  glossy  skin 
Was  dappled  o'er,  like  blossoms  of  the  rose 
Upon  a  saffron  lawn,  Rustem  prepared 
His  noose,  and  held  it  ready  in  his  hand. 

The  groom  recommended  him  to  secure  the  foal,  as  it  was 
the  offspring  of  Abresh,  born  of  a  Diw,  or  Demon,  and  called 
Rakush.  The  dam  had  killed  several  persons  who  attempted 
to  seize  her  young  one. 

Now  Rustem  flings  the  noose,  and  suddenly 
Rakush  secures.     Meanwhile  the  furious  mare 
Attacks  him,  eager  with  her  pointed  teeth 
To  crush  his  brain — but,  stunned  by  his  loud  cry, 
She  stops  in  wonder.    Then  with  clenched  hand 
He  smites  her  on  the  head  and  neck,  and  down 
She  tumbles,  struggling  in  the  pangs  of  death. 

Rakush,  however,  though  with  the  noose  round  his  neck,  was 
not  so  easily  subdued ;  but  kept  dragging  and  pulling  Rustem, 
as  if  by  a  tether,  and  it  was  a  considerable  time  before  the 
animal  could  be  reduced  to  subjection.  At  last,  Rustem 
thanked  Heaven  that  he  had  obtained  the  very  horse  he  wanted. 

"  Now  am  I  with  my  horse  prepared  to  join 
The  field  of  warriors!"    Thus  the  hero  said, 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  81 

And  placed  the  saddle  on  his  charger.     Zal 
Beheld  him  with  delight, — his  withered  heart 
Glowing  with  summer  freshness.    Open  then 
He  threw  his  treasury — thoughtless   of  the  past 
Or  future — present  joy  absorbing  all 
His  faculties,  and  thrilling  every  nerve. 

In  a  short  time  Zal  sent  Rustem  with  a  prodigious  army 
against  Afrasiyab,  and  two  days  afterwards  set  off  himself  and 
joined  his  son.  Afrasiyab  said,  "  The  son  is  but  a  boy,  and  the 
father  is  old ;  I  shall  have  no  difficulty  in  recovering  the  empire 
of  Persia."  These  observations  having  reached  Zal,  he  pon- 
dered deeply,  considering  that  Garshasp  would  not  be  able  to 
contend  against  Afrasiyab,  and  that  no  other  prince  of  the  race 
of  Feridun  was  known  to  be  in  existence.  However,  he  des- 
patched people  in  every  quarter  to  gather  information  on  the 
subject,  and  at  length  Kai-kobad  was  understood  to  be  residing 
in  obscurity  on  the  mountain  Alberz,  distinguished  for  his  wis- 
dom and  valor,  and  his  qualifications  for  the  exercise  of  sov- 
ereign power.  Zal  therefore  recommended  Rustem  to  proceed 
to  Alberz,  and  bring  him  from  his  concealment. 

Thus  Zal  to  Rustem  spoke,  "  Go  forth,  my  son, 
And  speedily  perform  this  pressing  duty, 
To  linger  would  be  dangerous.    Say  to  him, 
'  The  army  is  prepared — the  throne  is  ready, 
And  thou  alone,  of  the  Kaianian  race, 
Deemed  fit  for  sovereign  rule.'  " 

Rustem  accordingly  mounted  Rakush,  and  accompanied  by  a 
powerful  force,  pursued  his  way  towards  the  mountain  Alberz ; 
and  though  the  road  was  infested  by  the  troops  of  Afrasiyab, 
he  valiantly  overcame  every  difficulty  that  was  opposed  to  his 
progress.  On  reaching  the  vicinity  of  Alberz,  he  observed  a 
beautiful  spot  of  ground  studded  with  luxuriant  trees,  and 
watered  by  glittering  rills,  There  too,  sitting  upon  a  throne, 
placed  in  the  shade  on  the  flowery  margin  of  a  stream,  he 
saw  a  young  man,  surrounded  by  a  company  of  friends  and 
attendants,  and  engaged  at  a  gorgeous  entertainment.  Rustem, 
when  he  came  near,  was  hospitably  invited  to  partake  of  the 
feast :  but  this  he  declined,  saying,  that  he  was  on  an  important 
mission  to  Alberz,  which  forbade  the  enjoyment  of  any  pleasure 
till  his  task  was  accomplished ;  in  short,  that  he  was  in  search 
of  Kai-kobad :  but  upon  being  told  that  he  would  there  receive 
VOL.  I.— 6 


82  FIRDUSI 

intelligence  of  him,  he  alighted  and  approached  the  bank  of  the 
stream  where  the  company  was  assembled.  The  young  man 
who  was  seated  upon  the  golden  throne  took  hold  of  the  hand 
of  Rustem,  and  filling  up  a  goblet  with  wine,  gave  another  to 
his  guest,  and  asked  him  at  whose  command  or  suggestion  he 
was  in  search  of  Kai-kobad.  Rustem  replied,  that  he  was  sent 
by  his  father  Zal,  and  frankly  communicated  to  him  the  special 
object  they  had  in  view.  The  young  man,  delighted  with  the 
information,  immediately  discovered  himself,  acknowledged 
that  he  was  Kai-kobad,  and  then  Rustem  respectfully  hailed 
him  as  the  sovereign  of  Persia. 

The  banquet  was  resumed  again — 

And,  hark,  the  softly  warbled  strain, 

As  harp  and  flute,  in  union  sweet, 

The  voices  of  the  singers  meet. 

The  black-eyed  damsels  now  display 

Their  art  in  many  an  amorous  lay; 

And  now  the  song  is  loud  and  clear, 

And  speaks  of  Rustem's  welcome  here. 

"  This  is  a  day,  a  glorious  day, 

That  drives  ungenial  thoughts  away; 

This  is  a  day  to  make  us  glad, 

Since  Rustem  comes  for  Kai-kobad; 

O,  let  us  pass  our  time  in  glee, 

And  talk  of  Jemshid's  majesty, 

The  pomp  and  glory  of  his  reign, 

And  still  the  sparkling  goblet  drain. — 

Come,  Saki,  fill  the  wine-cup  high, 
«  And  let  not  even  its  brim  be  dry; 

For  wine  alone  has  power  to  part 
.    The  rust  of  sorrow  from  the  heart. 

Drink  to  the  king,  in  merry  mood, 

Since  fortune  smiles,  and  wine  is  good; 

Quaffing  red  wine  is  better  far 

Than  shedding  blood  in  strife,  or  war; 

Man  is  but  dust,  and  why  should  he 

Become  a  fire  of  enmity? 

Drink  deep,  all  other  cares  resign. 

For  what  can  vie  with  ruby  wine?" 

In  this  manner  ran  the  song  of  the  revellers.  After  which, 
and  being  rather  merry  with  wine,  Kai-kobad  told  Rustem  of 
the  dream  that  had  induced  him  to  descend  from  his  place  of 
refuge  on  Alberz,  and  to  prepare  a  banquet  on  the  occasion. 
He  dreamt  the  night  before  that  two  white  falcons  from  Persia 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  83 

placed  a  splendid  crown  upon  his  head,  and  this  vision  was  in- 
terpreted by  Rustem  as  symbolical  of  his  father  and  himself, 
who  at  that  moment  were  engaged  in  investing  him  with 
kingly  power.  The  hero  then  solicited  the  young  sovereign  to 
hasten  his  departure  for  Persia,  and  preparations  were  made 
without  delay.  They  travelled  night  and  day,  and  fell  in  with 
several  detachments  of  the  enemy,  which  were  easily  repulsed 
by  the  valor  of  Rustem.  The  fiercest  attack  proceeded  from 
Kelun,  one  of  Afrasiyab's  warriors,  near  the  confines  of  Persia, 
who  in  the  encounter  used  his  spear  with  great  dexterity  and 
address. 

But  Rustem  with  his  javelin  soon  transfixed 

The  Tartar  knight — who  in  the  eyes  of  all 

Looked  like  a  spitted  chicken — down  he  sunk, 

And  all  his  soldiers  fled  in  wild  dismay. 

Then  Rustem  turned  aside,  and  found  a  spot 

Where  verdant  meadows  smiled,  and  streamlets  flowed, 

Inviting  weary  travellers  to  rest. 

There  they  awhile  remained — and  when  the  sun 

Went  down,  and  night  had  darkened  all  the  sky, 

The  champion  joyfully  pursued  his  way, 

And  brought  the  monarch  to  his  father's  house. 

— Seven  days  they  sat  in  council — on  the  eighth 

Young  Kai-kobad  was  crowned — and  placed  upon 

The  ivory  throne  in  presence  of  his  warriors, 

Who  all  besought  him  to  commence  the  war 

Against  the  Tartar  prince,  Afrasiyab. 


84  FIRDUSI 


KAI-KOBAD 

KAI-KOBAD  having  been  raised  to  the  throne  at  a  coun- 
cil of  the  warriors,  and  advised  to  oppose  the  progress 
of  Afrasiyab,  immediately  assembled  his  army.  Mih- 
rab,  the  ruler  of  Kabul,  was  appointed  to  one  wing,  and 
Gustahem  to  the  other — the  centre  was  given  to  Karun  and 
Kishwad,  and  Rustem  was  placed  in  front,  Zal  with  Kai-kobad 
remaining  in  the  rear.  The  glorious  standard  of  Kavah 
streamed  upon  the  breeze. 

On  the  other  side,  Afrasiyab  prepared  for  battle,  assisted  by 
his  heroes  Akbas,  Wisah,  Shimasas,  and  Gersiwaz ;  and  so  great 
was  the  clamor  and  confusion  which  proceeded  from  both 
armies,  that  earth  and  sky  seemed  blended  together.*  The 
clattering  of  hoofs,  the  shrill  roar  of  trumpets,  the  rattle  of 
brazen  drums,  and  the  vivid  glittering  of  spear  and  shield,  pro- 
duced indescribable  tumult  and  splendor. 

Karun  was  the  first  in  action,  and  he  brought  many  a  hero 
to  the  ground.  He  singled  out  Shimasas  ;  and  after  a  desperate 
struggle,  laid  him  breathless  on  the  field.  Rustem,  stimulated 
by  these  exploits,  requested  his  father,  Zal,  to  point  out  Afra- 
siyab, that  he  might  encounter  him ;  but  Zal  endeavored  to  dis- 
suade him  from  so  hopeless  an  effort,  saying, 

"  My  son,  be  wise,  and  peril  not  thyself; 
Black  is  his  banner,  and  his  cuirass  black — 
His  limbs  are  cased  in  iron — on  his  head 
He  wears  an  iron  helm — and  high  before  him 
Floats  the  black  ensign;  equal  in  his  might 
To  ten  strong  men,  he  never  in  one  place 
Remains,  but  everywhere  displays  his  power. 
The  crocodile  has  in  the  rolling  stream 
No  safety;  and  a  mountain,  formed  of  steel, 
Even  at  the  mention  of  Afrasiyab, 
Melts  into  water.    Then,  beware  of  him." 
Rustem  replied: — "  Be  not  alarmed  for  me — 
My  heart,  my  arm,  my  dagger,  are  my  castle, 
And  Heaven  befriends  me — let  him  but  appear, 
Dragon  or  Demon,  and  the  field  is  mine." 

_*The  numerical  strength  of  the  Per-  numerous  retinue  of  servants, >  eunuchs, 

sian  and  Turanian  forces  appears  pro-  and  women  that  attended  it,  is  said  to 

digious   on   all    occasions,    but   nothing  have   amounted  to  no  less  than   5,283,- 

when   compared    with   the   army   under  220  souls. 
Xerxes  at  Thermopylae,  which,  with  the 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  85 

Then  Rustem  valiantly  urged  Rakush  towards  the  Turanian 
army,  and  called  out  aloud.  As  soon  as  Afrasiyab  beheld  him, 
he  inquired  who  he  could  be,  and  he  was  told,  "  This  is  Rustem, 
the  son  of  Zal.  Seest  thou  not  in  his  hand  the  battle-axe  of 
Sam  ?  The  youth  has  come  in  search  of  renown."  When  the 
combatants  closed,  they  struggled  for  some  time  together,  and 
at  length  Rustem  seized  the  girdle-belt  of  his  antagonist,  and 
threw  him  from  his  saddle.  He  wished  to  drag  the  captive  as 
a  trophy  to  Kai-kobad,  that  his  first  great  victory  might  be 
remembered,  but  unfortunately  the  belt  gave  way,  and  Afra- 
siyab fell  on  the  ground.  Immediately  the  fallen  chief  was  sur- 
rounded and  rescued  by  his  own  warriors,  but  not  before  Rus- 
tem had  snatched  off  his  crown,  and  carried  it  away  with  the 
broken  girdle  which  was  left  in  his  hand.  And  now  a  general 
engagement  took  place.  Rustem  being  reinforced  by  the 
advance  of  the  king,  with  Zal  and  Mihrab  at  his  side — 

Both  armies  seemed  so  closely  waging  war, 

Thou  wouldst  have  said,  that  they  were  mixed  together. 

The  earth  shook  with  the  tramping  of  the  steeds, 

Rattled  the  drums;  loud  clamours  from  the  troops 

Echoed  around,  and  from  the  iron  grasp 

Of  warriors,  many  a  life  was  spent  in  air. 

With  his  huge  mace,  cow-headed,  Rustem  dyed 

The  ground  with  crimson — and  wherever  seen, 

Urging  impatiently  his  fiery  horse, 

Heads  severed  fell  like  withered  leaves  in  autumn. 

If,  brandishing  his  sword,  he  struck  the  head, 

Horseman  and  steed  were  downward  cleft  in  twain — 

And  if  his  side-long  blow  was  on  the  loins, 

The  sword  passed  through,  as  easily  as  the  blade 

Slices  a  cucumber.    The  blood  of  heroes 

Deluged  the  plain.     On  that  tremendous  day, 

With  sword  and  dagger,  battle-axe  and  noose,* 

He  cut,  and  tore,  and  broke,  and  bound  the  brave, 

Slaying  and  making  captive.    At  one  swoop 

More  than  a  thousand  fell  by  his  own  hand. 

Zal  beheld  his  son  with  amazement  and  delight.  The  Tura- 
nians left  the  fire-worshippers  in  possession  of  the  field,  and 
retreated  towards  the  Jihun  with  precipitation,  not  a  sound  of 
drum  or  trumpet  denoting  their  track.  After  halting  three  days 

*  Herodotus  speaks  of  a  people  con-  enemy,  they  throw  out  these  cords,  hav- 

federated  with  the  army  of  Xerxes,  who  ing  a  noose  at  the   extremity;   if  they 

employed  the  noose.     "  Their  principal  entangle  in  them  either  horse  or  man, 

dependence    in    action    is    upon    cords  they    without    difficulty    put    them    to 

made  of  twisted  leather,  which  they  use  death." — Beloe's  transl.   Polymnia,   Sec. 

in  this  manner:  when  they  engage  an  85. 


86  FIRDUSI 

in  a  state  of  deep  dejection  and  misery,  they  continued  their 
retreat  along  the  banks  of  the  Jihun.  The  Persian  army,  upon 
the  flight  of  the  enemy,  fell  back  with  their  prisoners  of  war, 
and  Rustem  was  received  by  the  king  with  distinguished  honor. 
When  Afrasiyab  returned  to  his  father,  he  communicated  to 
him,  with  a  heavy  heart,  the  misfortunes  of  the  battle,  and  the 
power  that  had  been  arrayed  against  him,  dwelling  with  won- 
der and  admiration  on  the  stupendous  valor  of  Rustem. 

Seeing  my  sable  banner, 
He  to  the  fight  came  like  a  crocodile, 
Thou  wouldst  have  said  his  breath  scorched  up  the  plain; 
He  seized  my  girdle  with  such  mighty  force 
As  if  he  would  have  torn  my  joints  asunder; 
And  raised  me  from  my  saddle — that  I  seemed 
An  insect  in  his  grasp — but  presently 
The  golden  girdle  broke,  and  down  I  fell 
Ingloriously  upon  the  dusty  ground; 
But  I  was  rescued  by  my  warrior  train! 
Thou  knowest  my  valour,  how  my  nerves  are  strung, 
And  may  conceive  the  wondrous  strength,  which  thus 
Sunk  me  to  nothing.    Iron  is  his  frame, 
And  marvellous  his  power;  peace,  peace,  alone 
Can  save  us  and  our  country  from  destruction. 

Poshang,  considering  the  luckless  state  of  affairs,  and  the  loss 
of  so  many  valiant  warriors,  thought  it  prudent  to  acquiesce  in 
the  wishes  of  Afrasiyab,  and  sue  for  peace.  To  this  end  Wisah 
was  intrusted  with  magnificent  presents,  and  the  overtures 
which  in  substance  ran  thus  :  "  Minuchihr  was  revenged  upon 
Tur  and  Silim  for  the  death  of  Irij.  Afrasiyab  again  has  re- 
venged their  death  upon  Nauder,  the  son  of  Minuchihr,  and 
now  Rustem  has  conquered  Afrasiyab.  But  why  should  we 
any  longer  keep  the  world  in  confusion — Why  should  we  not 
be  satisfied  with  what  Feridun,  in  his  wisdom,  decreed  ?  Con- 
tinue in  the  empire  which  he  appropriated  to  Irij,  and  let  the 
Jihun  be  the  boundary  between  us,  for  are  we  not  connected 
by  blood,  and  of  one  family  ?  Let  our  kingdoms  be  gladdened 
with  the  blessings  of  peace." 

When  these  proposals  of  peace  reached  Kai-kobad,  the  fol- 
lowing answer  was  returned : 

"  Well  dost  thou  know  that  I  was  not  the  first 
To  wage  this  war.  From  Tur,  thy  ancestor, 
The  strife  began.  Bethink  thee  how  he  slew 
The  gentle  Irij — his  own  brother; — how, 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  87 

In  these  our  days,  thy  son,  Afrasiyab, 

Crossing  the  Jihun,  with  a  numerous  force 

Invaded  Persia — think  how  Nauder  died! 

Not  in  the  field  of  battle,  like  a  hero, 

But  murdered  by  thy  son — who,  ever  cruel, 

Afterwards  stabbed  his  brother,  young  Aghriras, 

So  deeply  mourned  by  thee.    Yet  do  I  thirst  not 

For  vengeance,  or  for  strife.    I  yield  the  realm 

Beyond  the  Jihun — let  that  river  be 

The  boundary  between  us;  but  thy  son, 

Afrasiyab,  must  take  his  solemn  oath 

Never  to  cross  that  limit,  or  disturb 

The  Persian  throne  again;  thus  pledged,  I  grant 

The  peace  solicited." 

The  messenger  without  delay  conveyed  this  welcome  intelli- 
gence to  Poshang,  and  the  Turanian  army  was  in  consequence 
immediately  withdrawn  within  the  prescribed  line  of  division. 
Rustem,  however,  expostulated  with  the  king  against  making 
peace  at  a  time  the  most  advantageous  for  war,  and  especially 
when  he  had  just  commenced  his  victorious  career ;  but  Kai- 
kobad  thought  differently,  and  considered  nothing  equal  to 
justice  and  tranquillity.  Peace  was  accordingly  concluded,  and 
upon  Rustem  and  Zal  he  conferred  the  highest  honors,  and 
his  other  warriors  engaged  in  the  late  conflict  also  experienced 
the  effects  of  his  bounty  and  gratitude  in  an  eminent  degree. 

Kai-kobad  then  moved  towards  Persia,  and  establishing  his 
throne 'at  Istakhar,*  he  administered  the  affairs  of  his  govern- 
ment with  admirable  benevolence  and  clemency,  and  with  un- 
ceasing solicitude  for  the  welfare  of  his  subjects.  In  his  eyes 
every  one  had  an  equal  claim  to  consideration  and  justice. 
The  strong  had  no  power  to  oppress  the  weak.  After  he  had 
continued  ten  years  at  Istakhar,  building  towns  and  cities,  and 
diffusing  improvement  and  happiness  over  the  land,  he  re- 
moved his  throne  into  Iran.  His  reign  lasted  one  hundred 
years,  which  were  passed  in  the  continued  exercise  of  the  most 
princely  virtues,  and  the  most  munificent  liberality.  He  had 
four  sons :  Kai-kaus,  Arish,  Poshin,  and  Aramin ;  and  when 
the  period  of  his  dissolution  drew  nigh,  he  solemnly  enjoined 
the  eldest,  whom  he  appointed  his  successor,  to  pursue  steadily 
the  path  of  integrity  and  justice,  and  to  be  kind  and  merciful 
in  the  administration  of  the  empire  left  to  his  charge. 

*  Istakhar,  also  called  Persepolis,  and        by    Alexander    after    the    conquest    of 
Chehel-rninar,  or  the  Forty  Pillars.    This        Darius. 
city  was  said  to  have  been  laid  in  ruins 


88  FIRDUSI 


KAI-KAUS 

WHEN  Kai-kaus  *  ascended  the  throne  of  his  father,  the 
whole  world  was  obedient  to  his  will;  but  he  soon 
began  to  deviate  from  the  wise  customs  and  rules 
which  had  been  recommended  as  essential  to  his  prosperity  and 
happiness.     He  feasted  and  drank  wine  continually  with  his 
warriors  and  chiefs,  so  that  in  the  midst  of  his  luxurious  enjoy- 
ments he  looked  upon  himself  as  superior  to  every  being  upon 
the  face  of  the  earth,  and  thus  astonished  the  people,  high  and 
low,  by  his  extravagance  and  pride. 

One  day  a  Demon,  disguised  as  a  musician,  waited  upon  the 
monarch,  and  playing  sweetly  on  his  harp,  sung  a  song  in  praise 
of  Mazinderan. 

And  thus  he  warbled  to  the  king — 

"  Mazinderan  is  the  bower  of  spring, 

My  native  home;  the  balmy  air 

Diffuses  health  and  fragrance  there; 

So  tempered  is  the  genial  glow, 

Nor  heat  nor  cold  we  ever  know; 

Tulips  and  hyacinths  abound 

On  every  lawn;  and  all  around 

Blooms  like  a  garden  in  its  prime, 

Fostered  by  that  delicious  clime. 
/  The  bulbul  sits  on  every  spray, 

And  pours  his  soft  melodious  lay; 

Each  rural  spot  its  sweets  discloses, 
i  Each  streamlet  is  the  dew  of  roses; 

And  damsels,  idols  of  the  heart, 

Sustain  a  more  bewitching  part. 

And  mark  me,  that  untravelled  man    • 

Who  never  saw  Mazinderan, 

And  all  the  charms  its  bowers  possess, 

Has  never  tasted  happiness!  " 

No  sooner  had  Kai-kaus  heard  this  description  of  the  country 
of  Mazinderan  than  he  determined  to  lead  an  army  thither, 

*  Kai-kaus,   the  second   King   of   Per-  him  a  taj,  or  crown  of  gold,  which  kings 

sia  of  the  dynasty  called  Kaianides.    He  only    were    accustomed    to    wear,    and 

succeeded  Kai-kobad,  about  six  hundred  granted  him  the  privilege  of  giving  audi- 

years    B.C.     According    to    Firdusi    he  ence  seated  on  a  throne  of  pold.     It  is 

was  a  foolish  tyrannical  prince.     He  ap-  said  that  Kai-kaus  applied  himself  much 

pointed   Rustem   captain-general   of   the  to  the  study  of  astronomy,  and  that  he 

armies,  to  which  the  lieutenant-general-  founded    two    great    observatories,    the 

ship  and  the  administration  of  the  state  one    at    Babel,    and    the   other    on    the 

was   annexed,   under   the   title    of   "  the  Tigris, 
champion  of  the  world."    He  also  gave 


THE  SHAH    NAMEH  89 

declaring  to  his  warriors  that  the  splendor  and  glory  of  his 
reign  should  exceed  that  of  either  Jemshid,  Zohak,  or  Kai- 
kobad.  The  warriors,  however,  were  alarmed  at  this  precipitate 
resolution,  thinking  it  certain  destruction  to  make  war  against 
the  Demons ;  but  they  had  not  courage  or  confidence  enough 
to  disclose  their  real  sentiments.  They  only  ventured  to 
suggest,  that  if  his  majesty  reflected  a  little  on  the  subject,  he 
might  not  ultimately  consider  the  enterprise  so  advisable  as  he 
had  at  first  imagined.  But  this  produced  no  impression,  and 
they  then  deemed  it  expedient  to  despatch  a  messenger  to  Zal, 
to  inform  him  of  the  wild  notions  which  the  Evil  One  had  put 
into  the  head  of  Kai-kaus  to  effect  his  ruin,  imploring  Zal  to 
allow  of  no  delay,  otherwise  the  eminent  services  so  lately  per- 
formed by  him  and  Rustem  for  the  state  would  be  rendered 
utterly  useless  and  vain.  Upon  this  summons,  Zal  immediately 
set  off  from  Sistan  to  Iran;  and  having  arrived  at  the  royal 
court,  and  been  received  with  customary  respect  and  consider- 
ation, he  endeavored  to  dissuade  the  king  from  the  contem- 
plated expedition  into  Mazinderan. 

"  O,  could  I  wash  the  darkness  from  thy  mind, 
And  show  thee  all  the  perils  that  surround 
This  undertaking!    Jemshid,  high  in  power, 
Whose  diadem  was  brilliant  as  the  sun, 
Who  ruled  the  demons — never  in  his  pride 
Dreamt  of  the  conquest  of  Mazinderan! 
Remember  Feridun,  he  overthrew 
Zohak — destroyed  the  tyrant,  but  he  never 
Thought  of  the  conquest  of  Mazinderan! 
This  strange  ambition  never  fired  the  souls 
Of  by-gone  monarchs — mighty  Minuchihr, 
Always  victorious,  boundless  in  his  wealth, 
Nor  Zau,  nor  Nauder,  nor  even  Kai-kobad, 
With  all  their  pomp,  and  all  their  grandeur,  ever 
Dreamt  of  the  conquest  of  Mazinderan! 
It  is  the  place  of  demon-sorcerers, 
And  all  enchanted.     Swords  are  useless  there, 
Nor  bribery  nor  wisdom  can  obtain 
Possession  of  that  charm-defended  land, 
Then  throw  not  men  and  treasure  to  the  winds; 
Waste  not  the  precious  blood  of  warriors  brave, 
In  trying  to  subdue  Mazinderan ! " 

Kai-kaus,  however,  was  not  to  be  diverted  from  his  purpose ; 
and  with  respect  to  what  his  predecessors  had  not  done,  he 
considered  himself  superior  in  might  and  influence  to  either 


90  FIRDUSI 

Feridun,  Jemshid,  Minuchihr,  or  Kai-kobad,  who  had  never 
aspired  to  the  conquest  of  Mazinderan.  He  further  observed, 
that  he  had  a  bolder  heart,  a  larger  army,  and  a  fuller  treasury 
than  any  of  them,  and  the  whole  world  was  under  his  sway — 

And  what  are  all  these  Demon-charms, 
That  they  excite  such  dread  alarms? 
What  is  a  Demon-host  to  me, 
Their  magic  spells  and  sorcery? 
One  effort,  and  the  field  is  won; 
Then  why  should  I  the  battle  shun? 
Be  thou  and  Rustem  (whilst  afar 
I  wage  the  soul-appalling  war), 
The  guardians  of  the  kingdom;  Heaven 
To  me  hath  its  protection  given; 
And,  when  I  reach  the  Demon's  fort, 
Their  severed  heads  shall  be  my  sport! 

When  Zal  became  convinced  of  the  unalterable  resolution  of 
Kai-kaus,  he  ceased  to  oppose  his  views,  and  expressed  his 
readiness  to  comply  with  whatever  commands  he  might  receive 
for  the  safety  of  the  state. 

May  all  thy  actions  prosper — may'st  thou  never 

Have  cause  to  recollect  my  warning  voice, 

With  sorrow  or  repentance.    Heaven  protect  thee! 

Zal  then  took  leave  of  the  king  and  his  warrior  friends,  and 
returned  to  Sistan,  not  without  melancholy  forebodings  respect- 
ing the  issue  of  the  war  against  Mazinderan. 

As  soon  as  morning  dawned,  the  army  was  put  in  motion. 
The  charge  of  the  empire,  and  the  keys  of  the  treasury  and 
jewel-chamber  were  left  in  the  hands  of  Milad,  with  injunc- 
tions, however,  not  to  draw  a  sword  against  any  enemy  that 
might  spring  up,  without  the  consent  'and  assistance  of  Zal 
and  Rustem.  When  the  army  had  arrived  within  the  limits 
of  Mazinderan,  Kai-£aus  ordered  Giw  to  select  two  thousand 
of  the  bravest  men,  the  boldest  wielders  of  the  battle-axe,  and 
proceed  rapidly  towards  the  city.  In  his  progress,  according 
to  the  king's  instructions,  he  burnt  and  destroyed  everything 
of  value,  mercilessly  slaying  man,  woman,  and  child.  For  the 
king  said : 

Kill  all  before  thee,  whether  young  or  old, 

And  turn  their  day  to  night;  thus  free  the  world 

From  the  magician's  art. 


THE  LATE   SHAH  OF  PERSIA. 

Photogravure  from  a  photograph  by  Nadar,  Paris. 

Nasr-ed-Din,  Shah  of  Persia,  was  born  in  the  year  1830  and  succeeded  his  father, 
Shah  Mohammed,  September  10,  1840.  Of  all  the  Shahs  Nasr-ed-Din  was  the  most 
enlightened.  He  was  strongly  impressed  by  the  views  of  Western  civilization  he 
gained  during  his  tours  through  Europe,  and  tried  to  secure  some  of  its  benefits  for 
his  country.  He  was  assassinated  by  Mirza  Mohammed  Riza,  of  Kirman,  a  relig- 
ious fanatic,  May  18,  1896. 

and 

• 


• 
, 


THE   SHAH    NAM  EH  91 

Proceeding  in  his  career  of  desolation  and  ruin,  Giw  came 
near  to  the  city,  and  found  it  arrayed  in  all  the  splendor  of 
heaven  ;  every  street  was  crowded  with  beautiful  women,  richly 
adorned,  and  young  damsels  with  faces  as  bright  as  the  moon. 
The  treasure-chamber  was  full  of  gold  and  jewels,  and  the 
country  abounded  with  cattle.  Information  of  this  discovery 
was  immediately  sent  to  Kai-kaus,  who  was  delighted  to  find 
that  Mazinderan  was  truly  a  blessed  region,  the  very  garden 
of  beauty,  where  the  cheeks  of  the  women  seemed  to  be  tinted 
with  the  hue  of  the  pomegranate  flower,  by  the  gate-keeper  of 
Paradise. 

This  invasion  filled  the  heart  of  the  king  of  Mazinderan 
with  grief  and  alarm,  and  his  first  care  was  to  call  the  gigantic 
White  Demon  to  his  aid.  Meanwhile  Kai-kaus,  full  of  the 
wildest  anticipations  of  victory,  was  encamped  on  the  plain 
near  the  city  in  splendid  state,  and  preparing  to  commence  the 
final  overthrow  of  the  enemy  on  the  following  day.  In  the 
night,  however,  a  cloud  came,  and  deep  darkness  like  pitch 
overspread  the  earth,  and  tremendous  hail-stones  poured  down 
upon  the  Persian  host,  throwing  them  into  the  greatest  con- 
fusion. Thousands  were  destroyed,  others  fled,  and  were  scat- 
tered abroad  in  the  gloom.  The  morning  dawned,  but  it 
brought  no  light  to  the  eyes  of  Kai-kaus;  and  amidst  the 
horrors  he  experienced,  his  treasury  was  captured,  and  the 
soldiers  of  his  army  either  killed  or  made  prisoners  of  war. 
Then  did  he  bitterly  lament  that  he  had  not  followed  the  wise 
counsel  of  Zal.  Seven  days  he  was  involved  in  this  dreadful 
affliction,  and  on  the  eighth  day  he  heard  the  roar  of  the  White 
Demon,  saying: 

"  O  king,  thou  art  the  willow-tree,  all  barren, 
With  neither  fruit,  nor  flower.    What  could  induce 
The  dream  of  conquering  Mazinderan? 
Hadst  thou  no  friend  to  warn  thee  of  thy  folly? 
Hadst  thou  not  heard  of  the  White  Demon's  power — 
Of  him,  who  from  the  gorgeous  vault  of  Heaven 
Can  charm  the  stars?    From  this  mad  enterprise 
Others  have  wisely  shrunk — and  what  hast  thou 
Accomplished  by  a  more  ambitious  course? 
Thy  soldiers  have  slain  many,  dire  destruction 
And  spoil  have  been  their  purpose — thy  wild  will 
Has  promptly  been  obeyed;  but  thou  art  now 
Without  an  army,  not  one  man  remains 
To  lift  a  sword,  or  stand  in  thy  defence; 
Not  one  to  hear  thy  groans  and  thy  despair." 


92  FIRDUSI 

There  were  selected  from,  the  army  twelve  thousand  of  the 
demon-warriors,  to  take  charge  of  and  hold  in  custody  the 
Iranian  captives,  all  the  chiefs,  as  well  as  the  soldiers,  being 
secured  with  bonds,  and  only  allowed  food  enough  to  keep  them 
alive.  Arzang,  one  of  the  demon-leaders,  having  got  possession 
of  the  wealth,  the  crown  and  jewels,  belonging  to  Kai-kaus, 
was  appointed  to  escort  the  captive  king  and  his  troops,  all 
of  whom  were  deprived  of  sight,  to  the  city  of  Mazinderan, 
where  they  were  delivered  into  the  hands  of  the  monarch  of 
that  country.  The  White  Demon,  after  thus  putting  an  end  to 
hostilities,  returned  to  his  own  abode. 

Kai-kaus,  strictly  guarded  as  he  was,  found  an  opportunity 
of  sending  an  account  of  his  blind  and  helpless  condition  to 
Zal,  in  which  he  lamented  that  he  had  not  followed  his  advice, 
and  urgently  requested  him,  if  he  was  not  himself  in  confine- 
ment, to  come  to  his  assistance,  and  release  him  from  captivity. 
When  Zal  heard  the  melancholy  story,  he  gnawed  the  very  skin 
of  his  body  with  vexation,  and  turning  to  Rustem,  conferred 
with  him  in  private. 

"  The  sword  must  be  unsheathed,  since  Kai-kaus 
Is  bound  a  captive  in  the  dragon's  den, 
And  Rakush  must  be  saddled  for  the  field, 
And  thou  must  bear  the  weight  of  this  emprize; 
For  I  have  lived  two  centuries,  and  old  age 
Unfits  me  for  the  heavy  toils  of  war. 
Should'st  thou  release  the  king,  thy  name  will  be 
Exalted  o'er  the  earth. — Then  don  thy  mail, 
And  gain  immortal  honor." 

Rustem  replied  that  it  was  a  long  journey  to  Mazinderan, 
and  that  the  king  had  been  six  months  on  the  road.  Upon 
this  Zal  observed  that  there  were  two  roads — the  most  tedious 
one  was  that  which  Kai-kaus  had  taken ;  but  by  the  other, 
which  was  full  of  dangers  and  difficulty,  and  lions,  and  demons, 
and  sorcery,  he  might  reach  Mazinderan  in  seven  days,  if  he 
reached  it  at  all. 

On  hearing  these  words  Rustem  assented,  and  chose  the 
short  road,  observing : 

"  Although  it  is  not  wise,  they  say, 
With  willing  feet  to  track  the  way 
To  hell;  though  only  men  who've  lost, 
All  love  of  life,  by  misery  crossed, 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  93 

Would  rush  into  the  tiger's  lair, 
And  die,  poor  reckless  victims,  there; 
I  gird  my  loins,  whate'er  may  be, 
And  trust  in  God  for  victory." 

On  the  following  day,  resigning  himself  to  the  protection  of 
Heaven,  he  put  on  his  war  attire,  and  with  his  favorite  horse, 
Rakush,  properly  caparisoned,  stood  prepared  for  the  journey. 
His  mother,  Rudabeh,  took  leave  of  him  with  great  sorrow; 
and  the  young  hero  departed  from  Sistan,  consoling  himself 
and  his  friends,  thus : 

"  O'er  him  who  seeks  the  battle-field, 
Nobly  his  prisoned  king  to  free, 
Heaven  will  extend  its  saving  shield, 
And  crown  his  arms  with  victory." 


THE  SEVEN  LABORS  OF  RUSTEM 

FIRST  STAGE. — He  rapidly  pursued  his  way,  perform- 
ing two  days'  journey  in  one,  and  soon  came  to  a  forest 
full  of  wild  asses.  Oppressed  with  hunger,  he  succeeded 
in  securing  one  of  them,  which  he  roasted  over  a  fire,  lighted 
by  sparks  produced  by  striking  the  point  of  his  spear,  and  kept 
in  a  blaze  with  dried  grass  and  branches  of  trees.  After  regal- 
ing himself,  and  satisfying  his  hunger,  he  loosened  the  bridle 
of  Rakush,  and  allowed  him  to  graze ;  and  choosing  a  safe  place 
for  repose  during  the  night,  and  taking  care  to  have  his  sword 
under  his  head,  he  went  to  sleep  among  the  reeds  of  that  wilder- 
ness. In  a  short  space  a  fierce  lion  appeared,  and  attacked 
Rakush  with  great  violence;  but  Rakush  very  speedily  with 
his  teeth  and  heels  put  an  end  to  his  furious  assailant.  Rustem, 
awakened  by  the  confusion,  and  seeing  the  dead  lion  before  him, 
said  to  his  favorite  companion : — 

"  Ah !  Rakush,  why  so  thoughtless  grown, 
To  fight  a  lion  thus  alone; 
For  had  it  been  thy  fate  to  bleed, 
And  not  thy  foe,  my  gallant  steed! 
How  could  thy  master  have  conveyed 
His  helm,  and  battle-axe,  and  blade, 
Kamund,  and  bow,  and  buberyan, 
Unaided,  to  Mazinderan? 


94  FIRDUSI 

Why  didst  thou  fail  to  give  the  alarm, 
And  save  thyself  from  chance  of  harm, 
By  neighing  loudly  in  my  ear; 
But  though  thy  bold  heart  knows  no  fear, 
From  such  unwise  exploits  refrain, 
Nor  try  a  lion's  strength  again." 

Saying  this,  Rustem  laid  down  to  sleep,  and  did  not  awake 
till  the  morning  dawned.  As  the  sun  rose,  he  remounted 
Rakush,  and  proceeded  on  his  journey  towards  Mazinderan. 

Second  Stage. — After  travelling  rapidly  for  some  time,  he 
entered  a  desert,  in  which  no  water  was  to  be  found,  and  the 
sand  was  so  burning  hot,  that  it  seemed  to  be  instinct  with 
fire.  Both  horse  and  rider  were  oppressed  with  the  most  mad- 
dening thirst.  Rustem  alighted,  and  vainly  wandered  about 
in  search  of  relief,  till  almost  exhausted,  he  put  up  a  prayer  to 
Heaven  for  protection  against  the  evils  which  surrounded  him, 
engaged  as  he  was  in  an  enterprise  for  the  release  of  Kai-kaus 
and  the  Persian  army,  then  in  the  power  of  the  demons.  With 
pious  earnestness  he  besought  the  Almighty  to  bless  him  in 
the  great  work ;  and  whilst  in  a  despairing  mood  he  was  lament- 
ing his  deplorable  condition,  his  tongue  and  throat  being 
parched  with  thirst,  his  body  prostrate  on  the  sand,  under  the 
influence  of  a  raging  sun,  he  saw  a  sheep  pass  by,  which  he 
hailed  as  the  harbinger  of  good.  Rising  up  and  grasping  his 
sword  in  his  hand,  he  followed  the  animal,  and  came  to  a  foun- 
tain of  water,  where  he  devoutly  returned  thanks  to  God  for  the 
blessing  which  had  preserved  his  existence,  and  prevented  the 
wolves  from  feeding  on  his  lifeless  limbs.  Refreshed  by  the 
cool  water,  he  then  looked  out  for  something  to  allay  his  hunger, 
and  killing  a  gor,  he  lighted  a  fire  and  roasted' it,  and  regaled 
upon  its  savory  flesh,  which  he  eagerly  tore  from  the  bones. 

When  the  period  of  rest  arrived,  Rustem  addressed  Rakush, 
and  said  to  him  angrily : — 

"  Beware,  my  steed,  of  future  strife. 
Again  thou  must  not  risk  thy  life; 
Encounter  not  with  lion  fell, 
Nor  demon  still  more  terrible; 
But  should  an  enemy  appear, 
Ring  loud  the  warning  in  my  ear." 

After  delivering  these  injunctions,  Rustem  laid  down  to 
sleep,  leaving  Rakush  unbridled,  and  at  liberty  to  crop  the  herb- 
age close  by. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  95 

Third  Stage. — At  midnight  a  monstrous  dragon-serpent 
issued  from  the  forest;  it  was  eighty  yards  in  length,  and  so 
fierce,  that  neither  elephant,  nor  demon,  nor  lion,  ever  ventured 
to  pass  by  its  lair.  It  came  forth,  and  seeing  the  champion 
asleep,  and  a  horse  near  him,  the  latter  was  the  first  object  of 
attack.  But  Rakush  retired  towards  his  master,  and  neighed 
and  beat  the  ground  so  furiously,  that  Rustem  soon  awoke; 
looking  around  on  every  side,  however,  he  saw  nothing — the 
dragon  had  vanished,  and  he  went  to  sleep  again.  Again  the 
dragon  burst  out  of  the  thick  darkness,  and  again  Rakush  was 
at  the  pillow  of  his  master,  who  rose  up  at  the  alarm :  but 
anxiously  trying  to  penetrate  the  dreary  gloom,  he  saw  nothing 
— all  was  a  blank;  and  annoyed  at  this  apparently  vexatious 
conduct  of  his  horse,  he  spoke  sharply : — 

"  Why  thus  again  disturb  my  rest, 
When  sleep  had  softly  soothed  my  breast? 
I  told  thee,  if  thou  chanced  to  see 
Another  dangerous  enemy, 
To  sound  the  alarm;   but  not  to  keep 
Depriving  me  of  needful  sleep; 
When  nothing  meets  the  eye  nor  ear, 
Nothing  to  cause  a  moment's  fear! 
But  if  again  my  rest  is  broke, 
On  thee  shall  fall  the  fatal  stroke, 
And  I  myself  will  drag  this  load 
Of  ponderous  arms  along  the  road; 
Yes,  I  will  go,  a  lonely  man, 
Without  thee,  to  Mazinderan." 

Rustem  again  went  to  sleep,  and  Rakush  was  resolved  this 
time  not  to  move  a  step  from  his  side,  for  his  heart  was  grieved 
and  afflicted  by  the  harsh  words  that  had  been  addressed  to 
him.  The  dragon  again  appeared,  and  the  faithful  horse 
almost  tore  up  the  earth  with  his  heels,  to  rouse  his  sleeping 
master.  Rustem  again  awoke,  and  sprang  to  his  feet,  and  was 
again  angry;  but  fortunately  at  that  moment  sufficient  light 
was  providentially  given  for  him  to  see  the  prodigious  cause  of 
alarm. 

Then  swift  he  drew  his  sword,  and  closed  in  strife 
With  that  huge  monster. — Dreadful  was  the  shock 
And  perilous  to  Rustem;   but  when  Rakush 
Perceived  the  contest  doubtful,  furiously, 
With  his  keen  teeth,  he  bit  and  tore  away 
The  dragon's  scaly  hide;    whilst  quick  as  thought 


96  FIRDUSI 

The  Champion  severed  off  the  ghastly  head, 

And  deluged  all  the  plain  with  horrid  blood. 

Amazed  to  see  a  form  so  hideous 

Breathless  stretched  out  before  him,  he  returned 

Thanks  to  the  Omnipotent  for  his  success, 

Saying — "  Upheld  by  thy  protecting  arm, 

What  is  a  lion's  strength,  a  demon's  rage, 

Or  all  the  horrors  of  the  burning  desert, 

With  not  one  drop  to  quench  devouring  thirst? 

Nothing,  since  power  and  might  proceed  from  Thee." 

Fourth  Stage. — Rustem  having  resumed  the  saddle,  con- 
tinued his  journey  through  an  enchanted  territory,  and  in  the 
evening  came  to  a  beautifully  green  spot,  refreshed  by  flowing 
rivulets,  where  he  found,  to  his  surprise,  a  ready-roasted  deer, 
and  some  bread  and  salt.  He  alighted,  and  sat  down  near  the 
enchanted  provisions,  which  vanished  at  the  sound  of  his  voice, 
and  presently  a  tambourine  met  his  eyes,  and  a  flask  of  wine. 
Taking  up  the  instrument  he  played  upon  it,  and  chanted  a 
ditty  about  his  own  wanderings,  and  the  exploits  which  he 
most  loved.  He  said  that  he  had  no  pleasure  in  banquets,  but 
only  in  the  field  fighting  with  heroes  and  crocodiles  in  war. 
The  song  happened  to  reach  the  ears  of  a  sorceress,  who, 
arrayed  in  all  the  charms  of  beauty,  suddenly  approached  him, 
and  sat  down  by  his  side.  The  champion  put  up  a  prayer  of 
gratitude  for  having  been  supplied  with  food  and  wine,  and 
music,  in  the  desert  of  Mazinderan,  and  not  knowing  that  the 
enchantress  was  a  demon  in  disguise,  he  placed  in  her  hands  a 
cup  of  wine  in  the  name  of  God;  but  at  the  mention  of  the 
Creator,  the  enchanted  form  was  converted  into  a  black  fiend. 
Seeing  this,  Rustem  threw  his  kamund,  and  secured  the  demon ; 
and,  drawing  his  sword,  at  once  cut  the  body  in  two ! 

Fifth  Stage.— 

From  thence  proceeding  onward,  he  approached 

A  region  destitute  of  light,  a  void 

Of  utter  darkness.    Neither  moon  nor  star 

Peep'd  through  the  gloom;    no  choice  of  path  remained, 

And  therefore,  throwing  loose  the  rein,  he  gave 

Rakush  the  power  to  travel  on,  unguided. 

At  length  the  darkness  was  dispersed,  the  earth 

Became  a  scene,  joyous  and  light,  and  gay, 

Covered  with  waving  corn — there  Rustem  paused 

And  quitting  his  good  steed  among  the  grass, 

Laid  himself  gently  down,  and,  wearied,  slept; 

His  shield  beneath  his  head,  his  sword  before  him. 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  97 

When  the  keeper  of  the  forest  saw  the  stranger  and  his 
horse,  he  went  to  Rustem,  then  asleep,  and  struck  his  staff 
violently  on  the  ground,  and  having  thus  awakened  the  hero, 
he  asked  him,  devil  that  he  was,  why  he  had  allowed  his  horse 
to  feed  upon  the  green  corn-field.  Angry  at  these  words, 
Rustem,  without  uttering  a  syllable,  seized  hold  of  the  keeper 
by  the  ears,  and  wrung  them  off.  The  mutilated  wretch,  gath- 
ering up  his  severed  ears,  hurried  away,  covered  with  blood, 
to  his  master,  Aulad,  and  told  him  of  the  injury  he  had  sus- 
tained from  a  man  like  a  black  demon,  with  a  tiger-skin  cuirass 
and  an  iron  helmet ;  showing  at  the  same  time  the  bleeding  wit- 
nesses of  his  sufferings.  Upon  being  informed  of  this  out- 
rageous proceeding,  Aulad,  burning  with  wrath,  summoned 
together  his  fighting  men,  and  hastened  by  the  directions  of  the 
keeper  to  the  place  where  Rustem  had  been  found  asleep.  The 
champion  received  the  angry  lord  of  the  land,  fully  prepared,  on 
horseback,  and  heard  him  demand  his  name,  that  he  might  not 
slay  a  worthless  antagonist,  and  why  he  had  torn  off  the  ears 
of  his  forest-keeper !  Rustem  replied  that  the  very  sound  of  his 
name  would  make  him  shudder  with  horror.  Aulad  then  or- 
dered his  troops  to  attack  Rustem,  and  they  rushed  upon  him 
with  great  fury;  but  their  leader  was  presently  killed  by  the 
master-hand,  and  great  numbers  were  also  scattered  lifeless 
over  the  plain.  The  survivors  running  away,  Rustem's  next 
object  was  to  follow  and  secure,  by  his  kamund,  the  person  of 
Aulad,  and  with  admirable  address  and  ingenuity,  he  succeeded 
in  dismounting  him  and  taking  him  alive.  He  then  bound  his 
hands,  and  said  to  him  : — 

"  If  them  wilt  speak  the  truth  unmixed  with  lies, 
Unmixed  with  false  prevaricating  words, 
And  faithfully  point  out  to  me  the  caves 
Of  the  White  Demon  and  his  warrior  chiefs — 
And  where  Kaus  is  prisoned — thy  reward 
Shall  be  the  kingdom  of  Mazinderan; 
For  I,  myself,  will  place  thee  on  that  throne. 
But  if  thou  play'st  me  false — thy  worthless  blood 
Shall  answer  for  the  foul  deception." 

"  Stay, 

Be  not  in  wrath,"  Aulad  at  once  replied — 
"  Thy  wish  shall  be  fulfilled — and  thou  shalt  know 
Where  king  Kaus  is  prisoned — and,  beside, 
Where  the  White  Demon  reigns.    Between  two  dark 
And  lofty  mountains,  in  two  hundred  caves 
VOL.  I.— 7 


98  FIRDUSI 

Immeasurably  deep,  his  people  dwell. 
Twelve  hundred  Demons  keep  the  watch  by  night 
Upon  the  mountain's  brow; — their  chiefs,  Piilad, 
And  Baid,  and  Sinja.    Like  a  reed,  the  hills 
Tremble  whenever  the  White  Demon  moves. 
But  dangerous  is  the  way.    A  stony  desert 
Lies  full  before  thee,  which  the  nimble  deer 
Has  never  passed.    Then  a  prodigious  stream 
Two  farsangs  wide  obstructs  thy  path,  whose  banks 
Are  covered  with  a  host  of  warrior-Demons, 
Guarding  the  passage  to  Mazinderan; 
And  thou  art  but  a  single  man — canst  thou 
O'ercome  such  fearful  obstacles  as  these?" 

At  this  the  Champion  smiled.     "  Show  but  the  way, 
And  thou  shalt  see  what  one  man  can  perform, 
With  power  derived  from  God!    Lead  on,  with  speed, 
To  royal  Kaus."    With  obedient  haste 
Aulad  proceeded,  Rustem  following  fast, 
Mounted  on  Rakush.    Neither  dismal  night 
Nor  joyous  day  they  rested — on  they  went 
Until  at  length  they  reached  the  fatal  field, 
Where  Kaus  was  o'ercome.    At  midnight  hour, 
Whilst  watching  with  attentive  eye  and  ear, 
A  piercing  clamor  echoed  all  around, 
And  blazing  fires  were  seen,  and  numerous  lamps 
Burnt  bright  on  every  side.     Rustem  inquired 
What  this  might  be.    "  It  is  Mazinderan," 
Aulad  rejoined,  "  and  the  White  Demon's  chiefs 
Are  gathered  there."    Then  Rustem  to  a  tree 
Bound  his  obedient  guide — to  keep  him  safe, 
And  to  recruit  his  strength,  laid  down  awhile 
And  soundly  slept. 

When  morning  dawned,  he  rose, 
And  mounting  Rakush,  put  his  helmet  on, 
The  tiger-skin  defended  his  broad  chest, 
And  sallying  forth,  he  sought  the  Demon  chief, 
Arzang,  and  summoned  him  with  such  a  roar 
That  stream  and  mountain  shook.    Arzang  sprang  up, 
Hearing  a  human  voice,  and  from  his  tent 
Indignant  issued — him  the  champion  met, 
And  clutched  his  arms  and  ears,  and  from  his  body 
Tore  off  the  gory  head,  and  cast  it  far 
Amidst  the  shuddering  Demons,  who  with  fear 
Shrunk  back  and  fled,  precipitate,  lest  they 
Should  likewise  feel  that  dreadful  punishment. 

Sixth  Stage. — After  this  achievement  Rustem  returned  to 
the  place  where  he  had  left  Aulad,  and  having1  released  him, 
sat  down  under  the  tree  and  related  what  he  had  done.  He 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  99 

then  commanded  his  guide  to  show  the  way  to  the  place  where 
Kai-kaus  was  confined;  and  when  the  champion  entered  the 
city  of  Mazinderan,  the  neighing  of  Rakush  was  so  loud  that 
the  sound  distinctly  reached  the  ears  of  the  captive  monarch. 
Kaus  rejoiced,  and  said  to  his  people :  "  I  have  heard  the  voice 
of  Rakush,  and  my  misfortunes  are  at  an  end ; "  but  they 
thought  he  was  either  insane  or  telling  them  a  dream.  The 
actual  appearance  of  Rustem,  however,  soon  satisfied  them. 
Gudarz,  and  Tus,  and  Bahram,  and  Giw,  and  Gustahem,  were 
delighted  to  meet  him,  and  the  king  embraced  him  with  great 
warmth  and  affection,  and  heard  from  him  with  admiration  the 
story  of  his  wonderful  progress  and  exploits.  But  Kaus  and 
his  warriors,  under  the  influence  and  spells  of  the  Demons, 
were  still  blind,  and  he  cautioned  Rustem  particularly  to  con- 
ceal Rakush  from  the  sight  of  the  sorcerers,  for  if  the  White 
Demon  should  hear  of  the  slaughter  of  Arzang,  and  the 
conqueror  being  at  Mazinderan,  he  would  immediately  as- 
semble an  overpowering  army  of  Demons,  and  the  conse- 
quences might  be  terrible. 

"  But  them  must  storm  the  cavern  of  the  Demons 
And  their  gigantic  chief — great  need  there  is 
For  sword  and  battle-axe — and  with  the  aid 
Of  Heaven,  these  miscreant  sorcerers  may  fall 
Victims  to  thy  avenging  might.    The  road 
Is  straight  before  thee — reach  the  Seven  Mountains, 
And  there  thou  wilt  discern  the  various  groups, 
Which  guard  the  awful  passage.    Further  on, 
Within  a  deep  and  horrible  recess, 
Frowns  the  White  Demon — conquer  him — destroy 
That  fell  magician,  arid  restore  to  sight 
Thy  suffering  king,  and  all  his  warrior  train. 
The  wise  in  cures  declare,  that  the  warm  blood 
From  the  White  Demon's  heart,  dropped  in  the  eye, 
Removes  all  blindness — it  is,  then,  my  hope, 
Favored  by  God,  that  thou  wilt  slay  the  fiend, 
And  save  us  from  the  misery  we  endure, 
The  misery  of  darkness  without  end." 

Rustem  accordingly,  after  having  warned  his  friends  and 
companions  in  arms  to  keep  on  the  alert,  prepared  for  the 
enterprise,  and  guided  by  Aulad,  hurried  on  till  he  came  to  the 
Haft-koh,  or  Seven  Mountains.  There  he  found  numerous 
companies  of  Demons ;  and  coming  to  one  of  the  caverns,  saw 
it  crowded  with  the  same  awful  beings.  And  now  consulting 


loo  FIRDUSI 

with  Aulad,  he  was  informed  that  the  most  advantageous  time 
for  attack  would  be  when  the  sun  became  hot,  for  then  all  the 
Demons  were  accustomed  to  go  to  sleep,  with  the  exception  of 
a  very  small  number  who  were  appointed  to  keep  watch.  He 
therefore  waited  till  the  sun  rose  high  in  the  firmament;  and 
as  soon  as  he  had  bound  Aulad  to  a  tree  hand  and  foot,  with 
the  thongs  of  his  kamund,  drew  his  sword,  and  rushed  among 
the  prostrate  Demons,  dismembering  and  slaying  all  that  fell 
in  his  way.  Dreadful  was  the  carnage,  and  those  who  survived 
fled  in  the  wildest  terror  from  the  champion's  fury. 

Seventh  Stage. — Rustem  now  hastened  forward  to  encounter 
the  White  Demon. 

Advancing  to  the  cavern,  he  looked  down 

And  saw  a  gloomy  place,  dismal  as  hell; 

But  not  one  cursed,  impious  sorcerer 

Was  visible  in  that  infernal  depth. 

Awhile  he  stood — his  falchion  in  his  grasp, 

And  rubbed  his  eyes  to  sharpen  his  dim  sight, 

And  then  a  mountain-form,  covered  with  hair, 

Filling  up  all  the  space,  rose  into  view. 

The  monster  was  asleep,  but  presently 

The  daring  shouts  of  Rustem  broke  his  rest, 

And  brought  him  suddenly  upon  his  feet, 

When  seizing  a  huge  mill-stone,  forth  he  came, 

And  thus  accosted  the  intruding  chief: 

"  Art  thou  so  tired  of  life,  that  reckless  thus 

Thou  dost  invade  the  precincts  of  the  Demons? 

Tell  me  thy  name,  that  I  may  not  destroy 

A  nameless  thing!  "    The  champion  stern  replied, 

"  My  name  is  Rustem — sent  by  Zal,  my  father, 

Descended  from  the  champion  Sam  Suwar, 

To  be  revenged  on  thee — the  King  of  Persia , 

Being  now  a  prisoner  in  Mazinderan." 

When  the  accursed  Demon  heard  the  name 

Of  Sam  Suwar,  he,  like  a  serpent,  writhed 

In  agony  of  spirit;    terrified 

At  that  announcement — then,  recovering  strength, 

He  forward  sprang,  and  hurled  the  mill-stone  huge 

Against  his  adversary,  who  fell  back 

And  disappointed  the  prodigious  blow. 

Black  frowned  the  Demon,  and  through  Rustem's  heart 

A  wild  sensation  ran  of  dire  alarm; 

But,  rousing  up,  his  courage  was  revived, 

And  wielding  furiously  his  beaming  sword, 

He  pierced  the  Demon's  thigh,  and  lopped  the  limb; 

Then  both  together  grappled,  and  the  cavern 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  IOi 

Shook  with  the  contest — each,  at  times,  prevailed; 

The  flesh  of  both  was  torn,  and  streaming  blood 

Crimsoned  the  earth.    "  If  I  survive  this  day," 

Said  Rustem  in  his  heart,  in  that  dread  strife, 

"  My  life  must  be  immortal."    The  White  Demon, 

With  equal  terror,  muttered  to  himself: 

"  I  now  despair  of  life — sweet  life;  no  more 

Shall  I  be  welcomed  at  Mazinderan." 

And  still  they  struggled  hard — still  sweat  and  blood 

Poured  down  at  every  strain.    Rustem,  at  last, 

Gathering  fresh  power,  vouchsafed  by  favouring  Heaven 

And  bringing  all  his  mighty  strength  to  bear, 

Raised  up  the  gasping  Demon  in  his  arms, 

And  with  such  fury  dashed  him  to  the  ground, 

That  life  no  longer  moved  his  monstrous  frame. 
\  Promptly  he  then  tore  out  the  reeking  heart, 

And  crowds  of  demons  simultaneous  fell 

As  part  of  him,  and  stained  the  earth  with  gore; 

Others  who  saw  this  signal  overthrow, 

Trembled,  and  hurried  from  the  scene  of  blood. 

Then  the  great  victor,  issuing  from  that  cave 
;  With  pious  haste — took  off  his  helm,  and  mail, 

And  royal  girdle — and  with  water  washed 

His  face  and  body — choosing  a  pure  place 
•  For  prayer — to  praise  his  Maker — Him  who  gave 

The  victory,  the  eternal  source  of  good; 
'  Without  whose  grace  and  blessing,  what  is  man! 

With  it  his  armor  is  impregnable. 

The  Champion  having  finished  his  prayer,  resumed  his  war 
habiliments,  and  going  to  Aulad,  released  him  from  the  tree, 
and  gave  into  his  charge  the  heart  of  the  White  Demon.  He 
then  pursued  his  journey  back  to  Kaus  at  Mazinderan.  On 
the  way  Aulad  solicited  some  reward  for  the  services  he  had 
performed,  and  Rustem  again  promised  that  he  should  be 
appointed  governor  of  the  country. 

"  But  first  the  monarch  of  Mazinderan, 
The  Demon-king,  must  be  subdued,  and  cast 
Into  the  yawning  cavern — and  his  legions 
Of  foul  enchanters,  utterly  destroyed." 

Upon  his  arrival  at  Mazinderan,  Rustem  related  to  his  sov- 
ereign all  that  he  had  accomplished,  and  especially  that  he  had 
torn  out  and  brought  away  the  White  Demon's  heart,  the  blood 
of  which  was  destined  to  restore  Kai-kaus  and  his  warriors  to 
sight.  Rustem  was  not  long  in  applying  the  miraculous  rem- 


102  FIRDUSI 

edy,  and  the  moment  the  blood  touched  their  eyes,  the  fearful 
blindness  was  perfectly  cured. 

The  champion  brought  the  Demon's  heart, 
And  squeezed  the  blood  from  every  part, 
Which,  dropped  upon  the  injured  sight, 
Made  all  things  visible  and  bright; 
One  moment  broke  that  magic  gloom, 
Which  seemed  more  dreadful  than  the  tomb. 

The  monarch  immediately  ascended  his  throne  surrounded 
by  all  his  warriors,  and  seven  days  were  spent  in  mutual  con- 
gratulations and  rejoicing.  On  the  eighth  day  they  all  resumed 
the  saddle,  and  proceeded  to  complete  the  destruction  of  the 
enemy.  They  set  fire  to  the  city,  and  burnt  it  to  the  ground, 
and  committed  such  horrid  carnage  among  the  remaining 
magicians  that  streams  of  loathsome  blood  crimsoned  all  the 
place. 

Kaus  afterwards  sent  Ferhad  as  an  ambassador  to  the  king 
of  Mazinderan,  suggesting  to  him  the  expediency  of  submis- 
sion, and  representing  to  him  the  terrible  fall  of  Arzang,  and  of 
the  White  Demon  with  all  his  host,  as  a  warning  against  re- 
sistance to  the  valor  of  Rustem.  But  when  the  king  of  Mazin- 
deran heard  from  Ferhad  the  purpose  of  his  embassy,  he  ex- 
pressed great  astonishment,  and  replied  that  he  himself  was 
superior  in  all  respects  to  Kaus ;  that  his  empire  was  more  ex- 
tensive, and  his  warriors  more  numerous  and  brave.  "  Have  I 
not,"  said  he,  "  a  hundred  war-elephants,  and  Kaus  not  one  ? 
Wherever  I  move,  conquest  marks  my  way ;  why  then  should  I 
fear  the  sovereign  of  Persia?  Why  should  I  submit  to  him  ?  " 

This  haughty  tone  made  a  deep  impression  upon  Ferhad, 
who  returning  quickly,  told  Kaus  of  the  proud  bearing  and 
fancied  power  of  the  ruler  of  Mazinderan.  Rustem  was  imme- 
diately sent  for ;  and  so  indignant  was  he  on  hearing  the  tidings, 
that  "  every  hair  on  his  body  started  up  like  a  spear,"  and  he 
proposed  to  go  himself  with  a  second  dispatch.  The  king  was 
too  much  .pleased  to  refuse,  and  another  letter  was  written  more 
urgent  than  the  first,  threatening  the  enemy  to  hang  up  his 
severed  head  on  the  walls  of  his  own  fort,  if  he  persisted  in  his 
contumacy  and  scorn  of  the  offer  made. 

As  soon  as  Rustem  had  come  within  a  short  distance  of  the 
court  of  the  king  of  Mazinderan,  accounts  reached  his  majesty 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  103 

of  the  approach  of  another  ambassador,  when  a  deputation  of 
warriors  was  sent  to  receive  him.  Rustem  observing  them, 
and  being  in  sight  of  the  hostile  army,  with  a  view  to  show  his 
strength,  tore  up  a  large  tree  on  the  road  by  the  roots,  and 
dexterously  wielded  it  in  his  hand  like  a  spear.  Tilting  on- 
wards, he  flung  it  down  before  the  wondering  enemy,  and  one 
of  the  chiefs  then  thought  it  incumbent  upon  him  to  display 
his  own  prowess.  He  advanced,  and-  offered  to  grasp  hands 
with  Rustem:  they  met;  but  the  gripe  of  the  champion  was 
so  excruciating  that  the  sinews  of  his  adversary  cracked,  and 
in  agony  he  fell  from  his  horse.  Intelligence  of  this  discom- 
fiture was  instantly  conveyed  to  the  king,  who  then  summoned 
his  most  valiant  and  renowned  chieftain,  Kalahur,  and  directed 
him  to  go  and  punish,  signally,  the  warrior  who  had  thus  pre- 
sumed to  triumph  over  one  of  his  heroes.  Accordingly  Kalahur 
appeared,  and  boastingly  stretched  out  his  hand,  which  Rustem 
wrung  with  such  grinding  force,  that  the  very  nails  dropped 
off,  and  blood  started  from  his  body.  This  was  enough,  and 
Kalahur  hastily  returned  to  the  king,  and  anxiously  recom- 
mended him  to  submit  to  terms,  as  it  would  be  in  vain  to  oppose 
such  invincible  strength.  The  king  was  both  grieved  and  angry 
at  this  situation  of  affairs,  and  invited  the  ambassador  to  his 
presence.  After  inquiring  respecting  Kaus  and  the  Persian 
army,  he  said : 

"  And  thou  art  Rustem,  clothed  with  mighty  power, 

Who  slaughtered  the  White  Demon,  and  now  comest 

To  crush  the  monarch  of  Mazinderan!  " 

"  No!  "  said  the  champion,  "  I  am  but  his  servant, 

And  even  unworthy  of  that  noble  station; 

My  master  being  a  warrior,  the  most  valiant 

That  ever  graced  the  world  since  time  began. 

Nothing  am  I;  but  what  doth  he  resemble! 

What  is  a  lion,  elephant,  or  demon! 

Engaged  in  fight,  he  is  himself  a  host!  " 

The  ambassador  then  tried  to  convince  the  king  of  the  folly 
of  resistance,  and  of  his  certain  defeat  if  he  continued  to  defy 
the  power  of  Kaus  and  the  bravery  of  Rustem ;  but  the  effort 
was  fruitless,  and  both  states  prepared  for  battle. 

The  engagement  which  ensued  was  obstinate  and  sanguinary, 
and  after  seven  days  of  hard  fighting,  neither  army  was  vic- 
torious, neither  defeated.  Afflicted  at  this  want  of  success, 


104  FIRDUSI 

Kaus  grovelled  in  the  dust,  and  prayed  fervently  to  the 
Almighty  to  give  him  the  triumph.  He  addressed  all  his 
warriors,  one  by  one,  -and  urged  them  to  increased  exertions ; 
and  on  the  eighth  day,  when  the  battle  was  renewed,  prodigies 
of  vafor  were  performed.  Rustem  singled  out,  and  encoun- 
tered the  king  of  Mazinderan,  and  fiercely  they  fought  together 
with  sword  and  javelin;  but  suddenly,  just  as  he  was  rushing 
on  with  overwhelming  force,  his  adversary,  by  his  magic  art, 
transformed  himself  into  a  stony  rock.  Rustem  and  the  Persian 
warriors  were  all  amazement.  The  fight  had  been  suspended 
for  some  time,  when  Kaus  came  forward  to  inquire  the  cause ; 
and  hearing  with  astonishment  of  the  transformation,  ordered 
his  soldiers  to  drag  the  enchanted  mass  towards  his  own  tent  ; 
but  all  the  strength  that  could  be  applied  was  unequal  to  move 
so  great  a  weight,  till  Rustem  set  himself  to  the  task,  and 
amidst  the  wondering  army,  lifted  up  the  rock  and  conveyed 
it  to  the  appointed  place.  He  then  addressed  the  work  of 
sorcery,  and  said :  "  If  thou  dost  not  resume  thy  original  shape, 
I  will  instantly  break  thee,  flinty-rock  as  thou  now  art,  into 
atoms,  and  scatter  thee  in  the  dust."  The  magician-king  was 
alarmed  by  this  threat,  and  reappeared  in  his  own  form,  and 
then  Rustem,  seizing  his  hand,  brought  him  to  Kaus,  who,  as 
a  punishment  for  his  wickedness  and  atrocity,  ordered  him  to 
be  slain,  and  his  body  to  be  cut  into  a  thousand  pieces !  The 
wealth  of  the  country  was  immediately  afterwards  secured  ;  and 
at  the  recommendation  of  Rustem,  Aulad  was  appointed 
governor  of  Mazinderan.  After  the  usual  thanksgivings  and 
rejoicings  on  account  of  the  victory,  Kaus  and  his  warriors 
returned  to  Persia,  where  splendid  honors  and  rewards  were 
bestowed  on  every  soldier  for  his  heroic  services.  Rustem 
having  received  the  highest  acknowledgments  of  his  merit,  took 
leave,  and  returned  to  his  father  Zal  at  Zabulistan. 

Suddenly  an  ardent  desire  arose  in  the  heart  of  Kaus  to 
survey  all  the  provinces  and  states  of  his  empire.  He  wished 
to  visit  Turan,  and  Chin,  and  Mikran,  and  Berber,  and  Zirra. 
Having  commenced  his  royal  tour  of  inspection,  he  found  the 
King  of  Berberistan  in  a  state  of  rebellion,  with  his  army  pre- 
pared to  dispute  his  authority.  A  severe  battle  was  the  conse- 
quence; but  the  refractory  sovereign  was  soon  compelled  to 
retire,  and  the  elders  of  the  city  came  forward  to  sue  for  mercy 
and  protection.  After  this  triumph,  Kaus  turned  towards  the 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  105 

mountain  Kaf,  and  visited  various  other  countries,  and  in  his 
progress  became  the  guest  of  the  son  of  Zal  in  Zabulistan 
where  he  stayed  a  month,  enjoying  the  pleasures  of  the  festive 
board  and  the  sports  of  the  field. 

The  disaffection  of  the  King  of  Hamaveran,  in  league  with 
the  King  of  Misser  and  Sham,  and  the  still  hostile  King  of  Ber- 
beristan,  soon,  however,  drew  him  from  Nimruz,  and  quitting 
the  principality  of  Rustem,  his  arms  were  promptly  directed 
against  his  new  enemy,  who  in  the  contest  which  ensued,  made 
an  obstinate  resistance,  but  was  at  length  overpowered,  and 
obliged  to  ask  for  quarter.  After  the  battle,  Kaus  was  informed 
that  the  shah  had  a  daughter  of  great  beauty,  named  Sudaveh, 
possessing  a  form  as  graceful  as  the  tall  cypress,  musky  ringlets, 
and  all  the  charms  of  Heaven.  From  the  description  of  this 
damsel  he  became  enamoured,  and  through  the  medium  of  a 
messenger,  immediately  offered  himself  to  be  her  husband. 
The  father  did  not  seem  to  be  glad  at  this  proposal,  observing  to 
the  messenger,  that  he  had  but  two  things  in  life  valuable  to 
him,  and  those  were  his  daughter  and  his  property ;  one  was  his 
solace  and  delight,  and  the  other  his  support;  to  be  deprived 
of  both  would  be  death  to  him ;  still  he  could  not  gainsay  the 
wishes  of  a  king  of  such  power,  and  his  conqueror.  He  then 
sorrowfully  communicated  the  overture  to  his  child,  who,  how- 
ever, readily  consented ;  and  in  the  course  of  a  week,  the  bride 
was  sent  escorted  by  soldiers,  and  accompanied  by  a  magnifi- 
cent cavalcade,  consisting  of  a  thousand  horses  and  mules,  a 
thousand  camels,  and  numerous  female  attendants.  When 
Sudaveh  descended  from  her  litter,  glowing  with  beauty,  with 
her  rich  dark  tresses  flowing  to  her  feet,  and  cheeks  like  the 
rose,  Katis  regarded  her  with  admiration  and  rapture ;  and  so 
impatient  was  he  to  possess  that  lovely  treasure,  that  the  mar- 
riage rites  were  performed  according  to  the  laws  of  the  country 
without  delay. 

The  Shah  of  Hamaveran,  however,  was  not  satisfied,  and  he 
continually  plotted  within  himself  how  he  might  contrive  to 
regain  possession  of  Sudaveh,  as  well  as  be  revenged  upon  the 
king.  With  this  view  he  invited  Kaus  to  be  his  guest  for  a 
while;  but  Sudaveh  cautioned  the  king  not  to  trust  to  the 
treachery  which  dictated  the  invitation,  as  she  apprehended 
from  it  nothing  but  mischief  and  disaster.  The  warning,  how- 
ever, was  of  no  avail,  for  Kaus  accepted  the  proffered  hospital- 


io6  FIRDUSI 

ity  of  his  new  father-in-law.  He  accordingly  proceeded  with 
his  bride  and  his  most  famous  warriors  to  the  city,  where  he 
was  received  and  entertained  in  the  most  sumptuous  manner, 
seated  on  a  gorgeous  throne,  and  felt  infinitely  exhilarated  with 
the  magnificence  and  the  hilarity  by  which  he  was  surrounded. 
Seven  days  were  passed  in  this  glorious  banqueting  and  de- 
light ;  but  on  the  succeeding  night,  the  sound  of  trumpets  and 
the  war-cry  was  heard.  The  intrusion  of  soldiers  changed  the 
face  of  the  scene ;  and  the  king,  who  had  just  been  waited  on, 
and  pampered  with  such  respect  and  devotion,  was  suddenly 
seized,  together  with  his  principal  warriors,  and  carried  off  to 
a  remote  fortress,  situated  on  a  high  mountain,  where  they 
were  imprisoned,  and  guarded  by  a  thousand  valiant  men.  His 
tents  were  plundered,  and  all  his  treasure  taken  away.  At  this 
event  his  wife  was  inconsolable  and  deaf  to  all  entreaties  from 
her  father,  declaring  that  she  preferred  death  to  separation  from 
her  husband ;  upon  which  she  was  conveyed  to  the  same  dun- 
geon, to  mingle  groans  with  the  captive  king. 

Alas!  how  false  and  fickle  is  the  world, 

Friendship  nor  pleasure,  nor  the  ties  of  blood, 

Can  check  the  headlong  course  of  human  passions; 

Treachery  still  laughs  at  kindred; — who  is  safe 

In  this  tumultuous  sphere  of  strife  and  sorrow? 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  107 


INVASION  OF  IRAN  BY  AFRASIYAB 

THE  intelligence  of  Kaus's  imprisonment  was  very  soon 
spread  through  the  world,  and  operated  as  a  signal  to 
all  the  inferior  states  to  get  possession  of  Iran.    Afrasi- 
yab  was  the  most  powerful  aspirant  to  the  throne ;  and  gather- 
ing an  immense  army,  he  hurried  from  Turan,  and  made  a  rapid 
incursion  into  the  country,  which  after  three  months  he  suc- 
ceeded in  conquering,  scattering  ruin  and  desolation  wherever 
he  came. 

Some  of  those  who  escaped  from  the  field  bent  their  steps 
towards  Zabulistan,  by  whom  Rustem  was  informed  of  the 
misfortunes  in  which  Kaus  was  involved ;  it  therefore  became 
necessary  that  he  should  again  endeavor  to  effect  the  libera- 
tion of  his  sovereign;  and  accordingly,  after  assembling  his 
troops  from  different  quarters,  the  first  thing  he  did  was  to 
despatch  a  messenger  to  Hamaveran,  with  a  letter,  demanding 
the  release  of  the  prisoners ;  and  in  the  event  of  a  refusal,  de- 
claring the  king  should  suffer  the  same  fate  as  the  White 
Demon  and  the  magician-monarch  of  Mazinderan.  Although 
this  threat  produced  considerable  alarm  in  the  breast  of  the 
king  of  Hamaveran,  he  arrogantly  replied,  that  if  Rustem 
wished  to  be  placed  in  the  same  situation  as  Kaus,  he  was  wel- 
come to  come  as  soon  as  he  liked. 

Upon  hearing  this  defiance,  Rustem  left  Zabulistan,  and  after 
an  arduous  journey  by  land  and  water,  arrived  at  the  confines 
of  Hamaveran.  The  king  of  that  country,  roused  by  the  noise 
and  uproar,  and  bold  aspect  of  the  invading  army,  drew  up  his 
own  forces,  and  a  battle  ensued,  but  he  was  unequal  to  stand 
his  ground  before  the  overwhelming  courage  of  Rustem.  His 
troops  fled  in  confusion,  and  then  almost  in  despair  he  anxiously 
solicited  assistance  from  the  chiefs  of  Berber  and  Misser,  which 
was  immediately  given.  Thus  three  kings  and  their  armies 
were  opposed  to  the  power  and  resources  of  one  man.  Their 
formidable  array  covered  an  immense  space. 

Each  proud  his  strongest  force  to  bring, 
The  eagle  of  valour  flapped  his  wing. 


io8  FIRDUSI 

But  when  the  King  of  Hamaveran  beheld  the  person  of  Rus- 
tem  in  all  its  pride  and  strength,  and  commanding  power,  he 
paused  with  apprehension  and  fear,  and  intrenched  himself  well 
behind  his  own  troops.  Rustem,  on  the  contrary,  was  full  of 
confidence. 

"  What,  though  there  be  a  hundred  thousand  men 
Pitched  against  one,  what  use  is  there  in  numbers 
When  Heaven  is  on  my  side:   with  Heaven  my  friend, 
The  foe  will  soon  be  mingled  with  the  dust." 

Having  ordered  the  trumpets  to  sound,  he  rushed  on  the 
enemy,  mounted  on  Rakush,  and  committed  dreadful  havoc 
among  them. 

It  would  be  difficult  to  tell 

How  many  heads,  dissevered,  fell, 

Fighting  his  dreadful  way; 
On  every  side  his  falchion  gleamed, 
Hot  blood  in  every  quarter  streamed 

On  that  tremendous  day. 

The  chief  of  Hamaveran  and  his  legions  were  the  first  to  shrink 
from  the  conflict;  and  then  the  King  of  Misser,  ashamed  of 
their  cowardice,  rapidly  advanced  towards  the  champion  with 
the  intention  of  punishing  him  for  his  temerity,  but  he  had  no 
sooner  received  one  of  Rustem's  hard  blows  on  his  head,  than 
he  turned  to  flight,  and  thus  hoped  to  escape  the  fury  of  his 
antagonist.  That  fortune,  however,  was  denied  him,  for  being 
instantly  pursued,  he  was  caught  with  the  kamund,  or  noose, 
thrown  round  his  loins,  dragged  from  his  horse,  and  safely  de- 
livered into  the  hands  of  Bahrain,  who  bound  him,  and  kept 
him  by  his  side. 

Ring  within  ring  the  lengthening  kamund  flew, 
And  from  his  steed  the  astonished  monarch  drew. 

Having  accomplished  this  signal  capture,  Rustem  proceeded 
against  the  troops  under  the  Shah  of  Berberistan,  which,  valor- 
ously  aided  as  he  was,  by  Zuara,  he  soon  vanquished  and  dis- 
patched ;  and  impelling  Rakush  impetuously  forward  upon  the 
shah  himself,  made  him  and  forty  of  his  principal  chiefs  pris- 
oners of  war.  The  King  of  Hamaveran,  seeing  the  horrible 
carnage,  and  the  defeat  of  all  his  expectations,  speedily  sent  a 
messenger  to  Rustem,  to  solicit  a  suspension  of  the  fight, 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  109 

offering  to  deliver  up  Kaus  and  all  his  warriors,  and  all  the 
regal  property  and  treasure  which  had  been  plundered  from 
him.  The  troops  of  the  three  kingdoms  also  urgently  prayed 
for  quarter  and  protection,  and  Rustem  readily  agreed  to  the 
proffered  conditions. 

"  Kaiis  to  liberty  restore, 
With  all  his  chiefs,  I  ask  no  more; 
For  him  alone  I  conquering  came; 
Than  him  no  other  prize  I  claim." 


THE   RETURN   OF  KAI-KAUS 

IT  was  a  joyous  day  when  Kaus  and  his  illustrious  heroes 
were  released  from  their  fetters,  and  removed  from  the 
mountain-fortress  in  which  they  were  confined.  Rustem 
forthwith  reseated  him  on  his  throne,  and  did  not  fail  to  collect 
for  the  public  treasury  all  the  valuables  of  the  three  states 
which  had  submitted  to  his  power.  The  troops  of  Mis- 
ser,  Berberistan,  and  Hamaveran,  having  declared  their  allegi- 
ance to  the  Persian  king,  the  accumulated  numbers  increased 
Kaus's  army  to  upwards  of  three  hundred  thousand  men,  horse 
and  foot,  and  with  this  immense  force  he  moved  towards  Iran. 
Before  marching,  however,  he  sent  a  message  to  Afrasiyab, 
commanding  him  to  quit  the  country  he  had  so  unjustly  in- 
vaded, and  recommending  him  to  be  contented  with  the  terri- 
tory of  Turan. 

"  Hast  thou  forgotten  Rustem's  power, 
When  thou  wert  in  that  perilous  hour 
By  him  o'erthrown?    Thy  girdle  broke, 
Or  thou  hadst  felt  the  conqueror's  yoke. 
Thy  crowding  warriors  proved  thy  shield, 
They  saved  and  dragged  thee  from  the  field; 
By  them  unrescued  then,  wouldst  thou 
Have  lived  to  vaunt  thy  prowess  now?  " 

This  message  was  received  with  bitter  feelings  of  resentment 
by  Afrasiyab,  who  prepared  his  army  for  battle  without  delay, 
and  promised  to  bestow  his  daughter  in  marriage  and  a  king- 
dom upon  the  man  who  should  succeed  in  taking  Rustem  alive. 


no  FIRDUSI 

This  proclamation  was  a  powerful  excitement :  and  when  the 
engagement  took  place,  mighty  efforts  were  made  for  the  re- 
ward ;  but  those  who  aspired  to  deserve  it  were  only  the  first 
to  fall.  Afrasiyab  beholding  the  fall  of  so  many  of  his  chiefs, 
dashed  forward  to  cope  with  the  champion:  but  his  bravery 
was  unavailing ;  for,  suffering  sharply  under  the  overwhelming 
attacks  of  Rustem,  he  was  glad  to  effect  his  escape,  and  retire 
from  the  field.  In  short,  he  rapidly  retraced  his  steps  to 
Turan,  leaving  Kaiis  in  full  possession  of  the  kingdom. 

With  anguish  stricken,  he  regained  his  home, 
After  a  wild  and  ignominious  flight; 
The  world  presenting  nothing  to  his  lips 
But  poison-beverage;  all  was  death  to  him. 

Kaus  being  again  seated  on  the  throne  of  Persia,  he  resumed 
the  administration  of  affairs  with  admirable  justice  and  liber- 
ality, and  despatched  some  of  his  most  distinguished  warriors 
to  secure  the  welfare  and  prosperity  of  the  states  of  Mervi,  and 
Balkh,  and  Nishapur,  and  Hirat.  At  the  same  time  he  con- 
ferred on  Rustem  the  title  of  Jahani  Pahlvan,  or,  Champion  of 
the  World. 

In  safety  now  from  foreign  and  domestic  enemies,  Kaus 
turned  his  attention  to  pursuits  very  different  from  war  and 
conquest.  He  directed  the  Demons  to  construct  two  splendid 
palaces  on  the  mountain  Alberz,  and  separate  mansions  for  the 
accommodation  of  his  household,  which  he  decorated  in  the 
most  magnificent  manner.  All  the  buildings  were  beautifully 
arranged  both  for  convenience  and  pleasure ;  and  gold  and 
silver  and  precious  stones  were  used  so  lavishly,  and  the  brill- 
iancy produced  by  their  combined  effect  was  so  great,  that 
night  and  day  appeared  to  be  the  same. 

Iblis,  ever  active,  observing  the  vanity  and  ambition  of  the 
king,  was  not  long  in  taking  advantage  of  the  circumstance, 
and  he  soon  persuaded  the  Demons  to  enter  into  his  schemes. 
Accordingly  one  of  them,  disguised  as  a  domestic  servant,  was 
instructed  to  present  a  nosegay  to  Kaus;  and  after  respectfully 
kissing  the  ground,  say  to  him : — 

"  Thou  art  great  as  king  can  be, 
Boundless  in  thy  majesty; 
What  is  all  this  earth  to  thee, 
All  beneath  the  sky? 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  ill 

Peris,  mortals,  demons,  hear 
Thy  commanding  voice  with  feer; 
Thou  art  lord  of  all  things  here, 
But,  thou  canst  not  fly! 

"  That  remains  for  thee ;    to  know 
Things  above,  as  things  below, 

How  the  planets  roll; 
How  the  sun  his  light  displays, 
How  the  moon  darts  forth  her  rays; 
How  the  nights  succeed  the  days; 
What  the  secret  cause  betrays, 

And  who  directs  the  whole!  " 

This  artful  address  of  the  Demon  satisfied  Kaus  of  the  im- 
perfection of  his  nature,  and  the  enviable  power  which  he  had 
yet  to  obtain.  To  him,  therefore,  it  became  matter  of  deep 
concern,  how  he  might  be  enabled  to  ascend  the  Heavens  with- 
out wings,  and  for  that  purpose  he  consulted  his  astrologers, 
who  presently  suggested  a  way  in  which  his  desires  might  be 
successfully  accomplished. 

They  contrived  to  rob  an  eagle's  nest  of  its  young,  which 
they  reared  with  great  care,  supplying  them  well  with  invigor- 
ating food,  till  they  grew  large  and  strong.  A  framework  of 
aloes-wood  was  then  prepared ;  and  at  each  of  the  four  corners 
was  fixed  perpendicularly,  a  javelin,  surmounted  on  the  point 
with  flesh  of  a  goat.  At  each  corner  again  one  of  the  eagles 
was  bound,  and  in  the  middle  Kaus  was  seated  in  great  pomp 
with  a  goblet  of  wine  before  him.  As  soon  as  the  eagles  be- 
came hungry,  they  endeavored  to  get  at  the  goat's  flesh  upon 
the  javelins,  and  by  flapping  their  wings  and  flying  upwards, 
they  quickly  raised  up  the  throne  from  the  ground.  Hunger 
still  pressing  them,  and  still  being  distant  from  their  prey,  they 
ascended  higher  and  higher  in  the  clouds,  conveying  the  as- 
tonished king  far  beyond  his  own  country ;  but  after  long  and 
fruitless  exertion  their  strength  failed  them,  and  unable  to 
keep  their  way,  the  whole  fabric  came  tumbling  down  from 
the  sky,  and  fell  upon  a  dreary  solitude  in  the  kingdom  of  Chin. 
There  Kaus  was  left,  a  prey  to  hunger,  alone,  and  in  utter  de- 
spair, until  he  was  discovered  by  a  band  of  Demons,  whom  his 
anxious  ministers  had  sent  in  search  of  him. 

Rustem,  and  Gudarz,  and  Tus,  at  length  heard  of  what  had 
befallen  the  king,  and  with  feelings  of  sorrow  not  unmixed 
with  indignation,  set  off  to  his  assistance.  "  Since  I  was 


ti2  FIRDUSI 

born,"  said  Gudarz,  "  never  did  I  see  such  a  man  as  Kaus. 
He  seems  to  be  entirely  destitute  of  reason  and  understanding- ; 
always  in  distress  and  affliction.  This  is  the  third  calamity  in 
which  he  has  wantonly  involved  himself.  First  at  Mazinderan, 
then  at  Hamaveran,  and  now  he  is  being  punished  for  attempt- 
ing to  discover  the  secrets  of  the  Heavens !  "  When  they 
reached  the  wilderness  into  which  Kaus  had  fallen,  Gudarz 
repeated  to  him  the  same  observations,  candidly  telling  him 
that  he  was  fitter  for  a  mad-house  than  a  throne,  and  exhorting 
him  to  be  satisfied  with  his  lot  and  be  obedient  to  God,  the 
creator  of  all  things.  The  miserable  king  was  softened  to 
tears,  acknowledged  his  folly ;  and  as  soon  as  he  was  escorted 
back  to  his  palace,  he  shut  himself  up,  remaining  forty  days, 
unseen,  prostrating  himself  in  shame  and  repentance.  After 
that  he  recovered  his  spirits,  and  resumed  the  administration 
of  affairs  with  his  former  liberality,  clemency,  and  justice,  al- 
most rivalling  the  glory  of  Feridun  and  Jemshid. 

One  day  Rustem  made  a  splendid  feast;  and  whilst  he  and 
his  brother  warriors,  Giw  and  Gudarz,  and  Tus,  were  quaffing 
their  wine,  it  was  determined  upon  to  form  a  pretended  hunting 
party,  and  repair  to  the  sporting  grounds  of  Afrasiyab.  The 
feast  lasted  seven  days ;  and  on  the  eighth,  preparations  were 
made  for  the  march,  an  advance  party  being  pushed  on  to  re- 
connoitre the  motions  of  the  enemy.  Afrasiyab  was  soon 
informed  of  what  was  going  on,  and  flattered  himself  with  the 
hopes  of  getting  Rustem  and  his  seven  champions  into  his 
thrall,  for  which  purpose  he  called  together  his  wise  men  and 
warriors,  and  said  to  them :  "  You  have  only  to  secure  these 
invaders,  and  Kaus  will  soon  cease  to  be  the  sovereign  of  Per- 
sia." To  accomplish  this  object,  a  Turanian  army  of  thirty 
thousand  veterans  was  assembled,  and  ordered  to  occupy  all 
the  positions  and  avenues  in  the  vicinity  of  the  sporting 
grounds.  An  immense  clamor,  and  thick  clouds  of  dust,  which 
darkened  the  skies,  announced  their  approach  ;  and  when  intel- 
ligence of  their  numbers  was  brought  to  Rustem,  the  undaunt- 
ed champion  smiled,  and  said  to  Garaz :  "  Fortune  favors  me ; 
what  cause  is  there  to  fear  the  king  of  Turin  ?  his  army  does 
not  exceed  a  hundred  thousand  men.  Were  I  alone,  with 
Rakush,  with  my  armor,  and  battle-axe,  I  would  not  shrink 
from  his  legions.  Have  I  not  seven  companions  in  arms,  and 
is  not  one  of  them  equal  to  five  hundred  Turanian  heroes? 


THE    SH/H    NAMEH  113 

Let  Afrasiyab  dare  to  cross  the  boundary-river,  and  the  contest 
will  presently  convince  him  that  he  has  only  sought  his  own 
defeat."  Promptly  at  a  signal  the  cup-bearer  produced  gob- 
lets of  the  red  wine  of  Zabul ;  and  in  one  of  them  Rustem 
pledged  his  royal  master  with  loyalty,  and  Tus  and  Zuara 
joined  in  the  convivial  and  social  demonstration  of  attachment 
to  the  king. 

The  champion  arrayed  in  his  buburiyan,  mounted  Rakush, 
and  advanced  towards  the  Turanian  army.  Afrasiyab,  when 
he  beheld  him  in  all  his  terrible  strength  and  vigor,  was 
amazed  and  disheartened,  accompanied,  as  he  was,  by  Tus,  and 
Gudarz,  and  Gurgin,  and  Giw,  and  Bahram,  and  Berzin,  and 
Ferhad.  The  drums  and  trumpets  of  Rustem  were  now  heard, 
and  immediately  the  hostile  forces  engaged  with  dagger, 
sword,  and  javelin.  Dreadful  was  the  onset,  and  the  fury  with 
which  the  conflict  was  continued.  In  truth,  so  sanguinary 
and  destructive  was  the  battle  that  Afrasiyab  exclaimed  in 
grief  and  terror:  "  If  this  carnage  lasts  till  the  close  of  day, 
not  a  man  of  my  army  will  remain  alive.  Have  I  not  one  war- 
rior endued  with  sufficient  bravery  to  oppose  and  subdue  this 
mighty  Rustem?  What!  not  one  fit  to  be  rewarded  with  a 
diadem,  with  my  own  throne  and  kingdom,  which  I  will  freely 
give  to  the  victor !  "  Pilsum  heard  the  promise,  and  was  am- 
bitious of  earning  the  reward;  but  fate  decreed  it  otherwise. 
His  prodigious  efforts  were  of  no  avail.  Alkus  was  equally 
unsuccessful,  though  the  bravest  of  the  brave  among  the  Tu- 
ranian warriors.  Encountering  Rustem,  his  brain  was  pierced 
by  a  javelin  wielded  by  the  Persian  hero,  and  he  fell  dead  from 
his  saddle.  This  signal  achievement  astonished  and  terrified 
the  Turanians,  who,  however,  made  a  further  despairing  effort 
against  the  champion  and  his  seven  conquering  companions, 
but  with  no  better  result  than  before,  and  nothing  remained  to 
them  excepting  destruction  or  flight.  Choosing  the  latter 
they  wheeled  round,  and  endeavored  to  escape  from  the  san- 
guinary fate  that  awaited  them. 

Seeing  this  precipitate  movement  of  the  enemy,  Rustem 
impelled  Rakush  forward  in  pursuit,  addressing  his  favorite 
horse  with  fondness  and  enthusiasm : — 

"  My  valued  friend — put  forth  thy  speed, 

This  is  a  time  of  pressing  need; 

Bear  me  away  amidst  the  strife, 
VOL.  I.— 8 


ii4  FIRDUSI 

That  I  may  take  that  despot's  life; 
And  with  my  mace  and  javelin,  flood 
This  dusty  plain  with  foe-man's  blood." 

Excited  by  his  master's  cry, 

The  war-horse  bounded  o'er  the  plain, 
So  swiftly  that  he  seemed  to  fly, 
Snorting  with  pride,  and  tossing  high 

His  streaming  mane. 

And  soon  he  reached  that  despot's  side, 
"  Now  is  the  time!  "  the  Champion  cried, 

"  This  is  the  hour  to  victory  given," 
And  flung  his  noose — which  bound  the  king 
Fast  for  a  moment  in  its  ring; 

But  soon,  alas!   the  bond  was  riven. 

Haply  the  Tartar-monarch  slipt  away, 
Not  doomed  to  suffer  on  that  bloody  day; 
And  freed  from  thrall,  he  hurrying  led 

His  legions  cross  the  boundary-stream, 
Leaving  his  countless  heaps  of  dead 

To  rot  beneath  the  solar  beam. 

Onward  he  rushed  with  heart  opprest, 

And  broken  fortunes;    he  had  quaffed 
Bright  pleasure's  cup — but  now,  unblest, 

Poison  was  mingled  with  the  draught! 

The  booty  in  horses,  treasure,  armor,  pavilions,  and  tents, 
was  immense ;  and  when  the  whole  was  secured,  Rustem  and 
his  companions  fell  back  to  the  sporting-grounds  already  men- 
tioned, from  whence  he  informed  Kai-kaus  by  letter  of  the  vic- 
tory that  had  been  gained.  After  remaining  two  weeks  there, 
resting  from  the  toils  of  war  and  enjoying  the  pleasures  of 
hunting,  the  party  returned  home  to  pay  their  respects  to  the 
Persian  king: 

And  this  is  life!    Thus  conquest  and  defeat, 

Vary  the  lights  and  shades  of  human  scenes, 
'  And  human  thought.    Whilst  some,  immersed  in  pleasure, 

Enjoy  the  sweets,  others  again  endure 
;The  miseries  of  the  world.     Hope  is  deceived 

In  this  frail  dwelling;   certainty  and  safety 

'Are  only  dreams  which  mock  the  credulous  mind; 

Time  sweeps  o'er  all  things;  why  then  should  the  wise 

Mourn  o'er  events  which  roll  resistless  on, 

And  set  at  nought  all  mortal  opposition? 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  115 


STORY  OF  SOHRAB 

/^\  YE,  who  dwell  in  Youth's  inviting  bowers, 
^*~S   Waste  not,  in  useless  joy,  your  fleeting  hours, 
But  rather  let  the  tears  of  sorrow  roll, 
And  sad  reflection  fill  the  conscious  soul. 
For  many  a  jocund  spring  has  passed  away, 
And  many  a  flower  has  blossomed,  to  decay; 
And  human  life,  still  hastening  to  a  close, 
Finds  in  the  worthless  dust  its  last  repose. 
Still  the  vain  world  abounds  in  strife  and  hate, 
And  sire  and  son  provoke  each  other's  fate; 
And  kindred  blood  by  kindred  hands  is  shed, 
And  vengeance  sleeps  not — dies  not,  with  the  dead. 
All  nature  fades — the  garden's  treasures  fall, 
Young  bud,  and  citron  ripe — all  perish,  all. 

And  now  a  tale  of  sorrow  must  be  told, 
A  tale  of  tears,  derived  from  Mubid  old, 
And  thus  remembered. — 

With  the  dawn  of  day, 
Rustem  arose,  and  wandering  took  his  way, 
Armed  for  the  chase,  where  sloping  to  the  sky, 
Turin's  lone  wilds  in  sullen  grandeur  lie; 
There,  to  dispel  his  melancholy  mood, 
He  urged  his  matchless  steed  through  glen  and  wood. 
Flushed  with  the  noble  game  which  met  his  view, 
He  starts  the  wild-ass  o'er  the  glistening  dew; 
And,  oft  exulting,  sees  his  quivering  dart, 
'  Plunge  through  the  glossy  skin,  and  pierce  the  heart. — 
Tired  of  the  sport,  at  length,  he  sought  the  shade, 
Which  near  a  stream  embowering  trees  displayed, 
And  with  his  arrow's  point,  a  fire  he  raised, 
And  thorns  and  grass  before  him  quickly  blazed. 
The  severed  parts  upon  a  bough  he  cast, 
To  catch  the  flames;  and  when  the  rich  repast 
f  Was  drest;  with  flesh  and  marrow,  savory  food, 
.  He  quelled  his  hunger;  and  the  sparkling  flood 
That  murmured  at  his  feet,  his  thirst  represt; 
Then  gentle  sleep  composed  his  limbs  to  rest. 

Meanwhile  his  horse,  for  speed  and  form  renown'd. 
Ranged  o'er  the  plain  with  flowery  herbage  crown'd, 
Encumbering  arms  no  more  his  sides  opprest, 
No  folding  mail  confined  his  ample  chest,* 
Gallant  and  free,  he  left  the  Champion's  side, 
And  cropp'd  the  mead,  or  sought  the  cooling  tide; 

*  The   armor   called    Burgustuwan   almost  covered  the  horse,  and  was  usually 
made  of  leather  and  felt-cloth. 


n6  FIRDUSI 

When  lo!  it  chanced  amid  that  woodland  chase, 
A  band  of  horsemen,  rambling  near  the  place, 
Saw,  with  surprise,  superior  game  astray, 
And  rushed  at  once  to  seize  the  noble  prey; 
But,  in  the  imminent  struggle,  two  beneath 
His  steel-clad  hoofs  received  the  stroke  of  death; 
One  proved  a  sterner  fate — for  downward  borne, 
The  mangled  head  was  from  the  shoulders  torn. 
Still  undismayed,  again  they  nimbly  sprung, 
And  round  his  neck  the  noose  entangling  flung: 
Now,  all  in  vain,  he  spurns  the  smoking  ground, 
In  vain  the  tumult  echoes  all  around; 
They  bear  him  off,  and  view,  with  ardent  eyes, 
His  matchless  beauty  and  majestic  size; 
Then  soothe  his  fury,  anxious  to  obtain, 
A  bounding  steed  of  his  immortal  strain. 

When  Rustem  woke,  and  miss'd  his  favourite  horse, 
The  loved  companion  of  his  glorious  course; 
Sorrowing  he  rose,  and,  hastening  thence,  began 
To  shape  his  dubious  way  to  Samengan; 
"  Reduced  to  journey  thus,  alone!  "  he  said, 
"  How  pierce  the  gloom  which  thickens  round  my  head; 
Burthen' d,  on  foot,  a  dreary  waste  in  view, 
Where  shall  I  bend  my  steps,  what  path  pursue? 
The  scoffing  Turks  will  cry,  '  Behold  our  might! 
We  won  the  trophy  from  the  Champion-knight! 
From  him  who,  reckless  of  his  fame  and  pride, 
Thus  idly  slept,  and  thus  ignobly  died.'  " 
Girding  his  loins  he  gathered  from  the  field, 
His  quivered  stores,  his  beamy  sword  and  shield, 
Harness  and  saddle-gear  were  o'er  him  slung, 
Bridle  and  mail  across  his  shoulders  hung.* 
Then  looking  round,  with  anxious  eye,  to  meet, 
The  broad  impression  of  his  charger's  feet, 
The  track  he  hail'd,  and  following,  onward  prest, 
While  grief  and  hope  alternate  filled  his  breast. 

O'er  vale  and  wild-wood  led,  he  soon  descries, 
The  regal  city's  shining  turrets  rise. 
And  when  the  Champion's  near  approach  is  known, 
The  usual  homage  waits  him  to  the  throne. 
The  king,  on  foot,  received  his  welcome  guest 
With  preferred  friendship,  and  his  coming  blest: 

*  In  this  hunting  excursion  he  is  com-  adventure  now  describing  is  highly 
pletely  armed,  being  supplied  with  characteristic  of  a  chivalrous  age.  In 
spear,  sword,  shield,  mace,  bow  and  the  Dissertation  prefixed  to  Richard- 
arrows.  Like  the  knight-errants  of  after  son's  Dictionary,  mention  is  made  of  a 
times,  he  seldom  even  slept  unarmed.  famous  Arabian  Knight-errant  called 
Single  combat  and  the  romantic  enter-  Abu  Mahommud  Albatal,  "  who  wan- 
prises  of  European  Chivalry  may  indeed  dered  everywhere  in  quest  of  advent- 
be  traced  to  the  East.  Rustem  was  a  ures,  and  redressing  grievances.  He 
most  illustrious  example  of  alj  that  is  was  killed  in  the  year  738." 
pious,  disinterested,  and  heroic.  The 


THE    SHAH    N^MEH  117 

But  Rustem  frowned,  and  with  resentment  fired, 

Spoke  of  his  wrongs,  the  plundered  steed  required. 

"  I've  traced  his  footsteps  to  your  royal  town, 

Here  must  he  be,  protected  by  your  crown; 

But  if  retained,  if  not  from  fetters  freed, 

My  vengeance  shall  o'ertake  the  felon-deed." 

"  My  honored  guest!  "  the  wondering  King  replied — 

"  Shall  Rustem's  wants  or  wishes  be  denied? 

But  let  not  anger,  headlong,  fierce,  and  blind, 

O'ercloud  the  virtues  of  a  generous  mind. 

If  still  within  the  limits  of  my  reign, 

The  well  known  courser  shall  be  thine  again: 

For  Rakush  never  can  remain  concealed, 

No  more  than  Rustem  in  the  battle-field! 

Then  cease  to  nourish  useless  rage,  and  share 

With  joyous  heart  my  hospitable  fare." 

The  son  of  Zal  now  felt  his  wrath  subdued, 
And  glad  sensations  in  his  soul  renewed. 
The  ready  herald  by  the  King's  command, 
Convened  the  Chiefs  and  Warriors  of  the  land; 
And  soon  the  banquet  social  glee  restored, 
And  China  wine-cups  glittered  on  the  board; 
And  cheerful  song,  and  music's  magic  power, 
And  sparkling  wine,  beguiled  the  festive  hour. 
The  dulcet  draughts  o'er  Rustem's  senses  stole, 
And  melting  strains  absorbed  his  softened  soul. 
But  when  approached  the  period  of  repose, 
All,  prompt  and  mindful,  from  the  banquet  rose; 
A  couch  was  spread  well  worthy  such  a  guest, 
Perfumed  with  rose  and  musk;   and  whilst  at  rest, 
In  deep  sound  sleep,  the  wearied  Champion  lay, 
Forgot  were  all  the  sorrows  of  the  way. 

One  watch  had  passed,  and  still  sweet  slumber  shed 
Its  magic  power  around  the  hero's  head — 
When  forth  Tahmineh  came — a  damsel  held 
An  amber  taper,  which  the  gloom  dispelled, 
And  near  his  pillow  stood;  in  beauty  bright, 
The  monarch's  daughter  struck  his  wondering  sight. 
Clear  as  the  moon,  in  glowing  charms  arrayed, 
Her  winning  eyes  the  light  of  heaven  displayed; 
Her  cypress  form  entranced  the  gazer's  view, 
Her  waving  curls,  the  heart,  resistless,  drew, 
Her  eye-brows  like  the  Archer's  bended  bow; 
Her  ringlets,  snares;  her  cheek,  the  rose's  glow, 
Mixed  with  the  lily — from  her  ear-tips  hung 
Rings  rich  and  glittering,  star-like;  and  her  tongue, 
And  lips,  all  sugared  sweetness — pearls  the  while 
(Sparkled  within  a  mouth  formed  to  beguile. 
Her  presence  dimmed  the  stars,  and  breathing  round 
Fragrance  and  joy,  she  scarcely  touched  the  ground, 


n8  FIRDUSI 


So  light  her  step,  so  graceful — every  part 
Perfect,  and  suited  to  her  spotless  heart. 

Rustem,  surprised,  the  gentle  maid  addressed, 
And  asked  what  lovely  stranger  broke  his  rest. 
"  What  is  thy  name,"  he  said — "  what  dost  thou  seek 
Amidst  the  gloom  of  night?    Fair  vision,  speak!  " 

"  O  thou,"  she  softly  sigh'd,  "  of  matchless  fame ! 
With  pity  hear,  Tahmineh  is  my  name ! 
The  pangs  of  love  my  anxious  heart  employ, 
And  flattering  promise  long-expected  joy; 
No  curious  eye  has  yet  these  features  seen, 
My  voice  unheard,  beyond  the  sacred  screen.* 
How  often  have  I  listened  with  amaze, 
To  thy  great  deeds,  enamoured  of  thy  praise; 
How  oft  from  every  tongue  I've  heard  the  strain, 
And  thought  of  thee — and  sighed,  and  sighed  again. 
The  ravenous  eagle,  hovering  o'er  his  prey, 
Starts  at  thy  gleaming  sword  and  flies  away: 
Thou  art  the  slayer  of  the  Demon  brood, 
And  the  fierce  monsters  of  the  echoing  wood. 
Where'er  thy  mace  is  seen,  shrink  back  the  bold, 
Thy  javelin's  flash  all  tremble  to  behold. 
Enchanted  with  the  stories  of  thy  fame, 
My  fluttering  heart  responded  to  thy  name; 
And  whilst  their  magic  influence  I  felt, 
In  prayer  for  thee  devotedly  I  knelt; 
And  fervent  vowed,  thus  powerful  glory  charms, 
No  other  spouse  should  bless  my  longing  arms. 
Indulgent  heaven  propitious  to  my  prayer, 
Now  brings  thee  hither  to  reward  my  care. 
Turin's  dominions  thou  hast  sought,  alone, 
By  night,  in  darkness — thou,  the  mighty  one! 
O  claim  my  hand,  and  grant  my  soul's  desire; 
Ask  me  in  marriage  of  my  royal  sire; 

(Perhaps  a  boy  our  wedded  love  may  crown, 
Whose  strength  like  thine  may  gain  the  world's  renown. 
Nay  more — for  Samengan  will  keep  my  word —  • 

Rakush  to  thee  again  shall  be  restored." 

The  damsel  thus  her  ardent  thought  expressed, 
And  Rustem's  heart  beat  joyous  in  his  breast, 
Hearing  her  passion — not  a  word  was  lost, 
And  Rakush  safe,  by  him  still  valued  most; 

*  As  a  proof  of  her  innocence  Tab-  happy.  It  has  nothing  of  the  unprofita- 
mineh  declares  to  Rustem,  "  No  person  ble  severity  of  the  cloister.  The  Zen- 
has  ever  seen  me  out  of  my  private  anas  are  supplied  with  everything  that 
chamber,  or  even  heard  the  sound  of  can  please  and  gratify  a  reasonable  wish, 
my  voice."  It  is  but  just  to  remark,  that  and  it  is  well  known  that  the  women  of 
the  seclusion  in  which  women  of  rank  the  East  have  influence  and  power, 
continue  in  Persia,  and  other  parts  of  more  flattering  and  solid,  than  the  free 
the  East,  is  not,  by  them,  considered  unsecluded  beauties  of  the  Western 
intolerable,  or  even  a  hardship.  Custom  world, 
has  not  only  rendered  it  familiar,  but 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  119 


He  called  her  near;   with  graceful  step  she  came, 
And  marked  with  throbbing  pulse  his  kindled  flame. 

And  now  a  Mubid,  from  the  Champion-knight, 
Requests  the  royal  sanction  to  the  rite; 
O'erjoyed,  the  King  the  honoured  suit  approves, 
O'erjoyed  to  bless  the  doting  child  he  loves, 
And  happier  still,  in  showering  smiles  around, 
To  be  allied  to  warrior  so  renowned. 
When  the  delighted  father,  doubly  blest, 
Resigned  his  daughter  to  his  glorious  guest, 
The  people  shared  the  gladness  which  it  gave, 
The  union  of  the  beauteous  and  the  brave. 
To  grace  their  nuptial  day — both  old  and  young, 
The  hymeneal  gratulations  sung: 
"  May  this  young  moon  bring  happiness  and  joy, 
And  every  source  of  enmity  destroy." 
The  marriage-bower  received  the  happy  pair, 
And  love  and  transport  shower'd  their  blessings  there. 

Ere  from  his  lofty  sphere  the  morn  had  thrown 
His  glittering  radiance,  and  in  splendour  shone, 
The  mindful  Champion,  from  his  sinewy  arm, 
His  bracelet  drew,  the  soul-ennobling  charm; 
And,  as  he  held  the  wondrous  gift  with  pride, 
He  thus  address'd  his  love-devoted  bride! 
"  Take  this,"  he  said,  "  and  if,  by  gracious  heaven, 
A  daughter  for  thy  solace  should  be  given, 
Let  it  among  her  ringlets  be  displayed, 
And  joy  and  honour  will  await  the  maid; 
But  should  kind  fate  increase  the  nuptial-joy, 
And  make  thee  mother  of  a  blooming  boy, 
Around  his  arm  this  magic  bracelet  bind, 
,To  fire  with  virtuous  deeds  his  ripening  mind; 
The  strength  of  Sam  will  nerve  his  manly  form, 
In  temper  mild,  in  valour  like  the  storm; 
His  not  the  dastard  fate  to  shrink,  or  turn 
From  where  the  lions  of  the  battle  burn; 
To  him  the  soaring  eagle  from  the  sky 
Will  stoop,  the  bravest  yield  to  him,  or  fly; 
Thus  shall  his  bright  career  imperious  claim 
The  well-won  honours  of  immortal  fame!  " 
Ardent  he  said,  and  kissed  her  eyes  and  face, 
And  lingering  held  her  in  a  fond  embrace. 

When  the  bright  sun  his  radiant  brow  displayed, 
And  earth  in  all  its  loveliest  hues  arrayed, 
The  Champion  rose  to  leave  his  spouse's  side, 
The  warm  affections  of  his  weeping  bride. 
For  her,  too  soon  the  winged  moments  flew, 
Too  soon,  alas!  the  parting  hour  she  knew; 
Clasped  in  his  arms,  with  many  a  streaming  tear, 
She  tried,  in  vain,  to  win  his  deafen'd  ear; 


120  FIRDUSI 

Still  tried,  ah  fruitless  struggle!    to  impart, 
The  swelling  anguish  of  her  bursting  heart. 

The  father  now  with  gratulations  due 
Rustem  approaches,  and  displays  to  view 
The  fiery  war-horse — welcome  as  the  light 
Of  heaven,  to  one  immersed  in  deepest  night; 
The  Champion,  wild  with  joy,  fits  on  the  rein, 
And  girds  the  saddle  on  his  back  again; 
Then  mounts,  and  leaving  sire  and  wife  behind, 
Onward  to  Sistan  rushes  like  the  wind. 

But  when  returned  to  Zabul's  friendly  shade, 
None  knew  what  joys  the  Warrior  had  delayed; 
Still,  fond  remembrance,  with  endearing  thought, 
Oft  to  his  mind  the  scene  of  rapture  brought. 

When  nine  slow-circling  months  had  roll'd  away, 
Sweet-smiling  pleasure  hailed  the  brightening  day — 
A  wondrous  boy  Tahmineh's  tears  supprest, 
And  lull'd  the  sorrows  of  her  heart  to  rest; 
To  him,  predestined  to  be  great  and  brave, 
The  name  Sohrab  his  tender  mother  gave; 
And  as  he  grew,  amazed,  the  gathering  throng, 
View'd  his  large  limbs,  his  sinews  firm  and  strong; 
His  infant  years  no  soft  endearment  claimed: 
Athletic  sports  his  eager  soul  inflamed; 
Broad  at  the  chest  and  taper  round  the  loins, 
Where  to  the  rising  hip  the  body  joins; 
Hunter  and  wrestler;   and  so  great  his  speed, 
He  could  o'ertake,  and  hold  the  swiftest  steed. 
His  noble  aspect,  and  majestic  grace, 
Betrayed  the  offspring  of  a  glorious  race. 
How,  with  a  mother's  ever  anxious  love, 
Still  to  retain  him  near  her  heart  she  strove! 
For  when  the  father's  fond  inquiry  came, 
Cautious,  she  still  concealed  his  birth  and  name, 
And  feign'd  a  daughter  born,  the  evil  fraught 
With  misery  to  avert — but  vain  the  thought; 
Not  many  years  had  passed,  with  downy  flight, 
Ere  he,  Tahmineh's  wonder  and  delight, 
With  glistening  eye,  and  youthful  ardour  warm, 
Filled  her  foreboding  bosom  with  alarm. 
"  O  now  relieve  my  heart!  "  he  said,  "  declare, 
From  whom  I  sprang  and  breathe  the  vital  air. 
Since,  from  my  childhood  I  have  ever  been, 
Amidst  my  play-mates  of  superior  mien; 
Should  friend  or  foe  demand  my  father's  name, 
Let  not  my  silence  testify  my  shame! 
If  still  concealed,  you  falter,  still  delay, 
A  mother's  blood  shall  wash  the  crime  away." 

"  This  wrath  forego,"  the  mother  answering  cried, 
And  joyful  hear  to  whom  thou  art  allied. 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH 

A  glorious  line  precedes  thy  destined  birth, 
The  mightiest  heroes  of  the  sons  of  earth. 
The  deeds  of  Sam  remotest  realms  admire, 
And  Zal,  and  Rustem  thy  illustrious  sire! " 

In  private,  then,  she  Rustem's  letter  placed 
Before  his  view,  and  brought  with  eager  haste 
Three  sparkling  rubies,  wedges  three  of  gold, 
From  Persia  sent — "  Behold,"  she  said,  "  behold 
Thy  father's  gifts,  will  these  thy  doubts  remove 
The  costly  pledges  of  paternal  love! 
Behold  this  bracelet  charm,  of  sovereign  power 
To  baffle  fate  in  danger's  awful  hour; 
But  thou  must  still  the  perilous  secret  keep, 
Nor  ask  the  harvest  of  renown  to  reap; 
For  when,  by  this  peculiar  signet  known, 
Thy  glorious  father  shall  demand  his  son, 
Doomed  from  her  only  joy  in  life  to  part, 
O  think  what  pangs  will  rend  thy  mother's  heart! — 
Seek  not  the  fame  which  only  teems  with  woe; 
Afrasiyab  is  Rustem's  deadliest  foe! 
And  if  by  him  discovered,  him  I  dread, 
Revenge  will  fail  upon  thy  guiltless  head." 

The  youth  replied:   "  In  vain  thy  sighs  and  tears, 
The  secret  breathes  and  mocks  thy  idle  fears. 
No  human  power  can  fate's  decrees  control, 
Or  check  the  kindled  ardour  of  my  soul. 
Then  why  from  me  the  bursting  truth  conceal? 
My  father's  foes  even  now  my  vengeance  feel; 
Even  now  in  wrath  my  native  legions  rise, 
And  sounds  of  desolation  strike  the  skies; 
Kaus  himself,  hurled  from  his  ivory  throne, 
Shall  yield  to  Rustem  the  imperial  crown, 
And  thou,  my  mother,  still  in  triumph  seen, 
Of  lovely  Persia  hailed  the  honoured  queen! 
Then  shall  Turin  unite  beneath  my  band, 
And  drive  this  proud  oppressor  from  the  land! 
Father  and  Son,  in  virtuous  league  combined, 
No  savage  despot  shall  enslave  mankind; 
When  Sun  and  Moon  o'er  heaven  refulgent  blaze, 
Shall  little  stars  obtrude  their  feeble  rays?"* 

He  paused,  and  then:  "  O  mother,  I  must  now 
My  father  seek,  and  see  his  lofty  brow; 
Be  mine  a  horse,  such  as  a  prince  demands, 
Fit  for  the  dusty  field,  a  warrior's  hands; 

*  In   Percy's   Collection,   there   is    an  old  song  which  contains  a  similar  idea. 

.  You  meaner  beauties  of  the  night, 

That   poorly   satisfie   our   eies, 
More  by  your  number,  than  your  light; 
You  common  people  of  the  skies. 
What  are   you   when  the   Moon   shall  rise? 
SIR  HENRY  WOTTON. 


I2X 


123  FIRDUSI 

Strong  as  an  elephant  his  form  should  be, 
And  chested  like  the  stag,  in  motion  free, 
And  swift  as  bird,  or  fish;  it  would  disgrace 
A  warrior  bold  on  foot  to  show  his  face." 

The  mother,  seeing  how  his  heart  was  bent, 
His  day-star  rising  in  the  firmament, 
Commands  the  stables  to  be  searched  to  find 
Among  the  steeds  one  suited  to  his  mind; 
Pressing  their  backs  he  tries  their  strength  and  nerve, 
Bent  double  to  the  ground  their  bellies  curve; 
Not  one,  from  neighbouring  plain  and  mountain  brought, 
Equals  the  wish  with  which  his  soul  is  fraught; 
Fruitless  on  every  side  he  anxious  turns, 
Fruitless,  his  brain  with  wild  impatience  burns, 
But  when  at  length  they  bring  the  destined  steed, 
From  Rakush  bred,  of  lightning's  winged  speed, 
Fleet,  as  the  arrow  from  the  bow-string  flies, 
Fleet,  as  the  eagle  darting  through  the  skies, 
Rejoiced  he  springs,  and,  with  a  nimble  bound, 
Vaults  in  his  seat,  and  wheels  the  courser  round; 
"  With  such  a  horse — thus  mounted,  what  remains? 
Kaus,  the  Persian  King,  no  longer  reigns!  " 
High  flushed  he  speaks — with  youthful  pride  elate, 
Eager  to  crush  the  Monarch's  glittering  state; 
He  grasps  his  javelin  with  a  hero's  might, 
And  pants  with  ardour  for  the  field  of  fight. 

Soon  o'er  the  realm  his  fame  expanding  spread, 
And  gathering  thousands  hasten'd  to  his  aid. 
His  Grand-sire,  pleased,  beheld  the  warrior-train 
Successive  throng  and  darken  all  the  plain; 
And  bounteously  his  treasures  he  supplied, 
Camels,  and  steeds,  and  gold. — In  martial  pride, 
Sohrab  was  seen — a  Grecian  helmet  graced 
His  brow — and  costliest  mail  his  limbs  embraced. 

Afrasiyab  now  hears  with  ardent  joy, 
The  bold  ambition  of  the  warrior-boy, 
Of  him  who,  perfumed  with  the  milky  breath 
Of  infancy,  was  threatening  war  and  death, 
And  bursting  sudden  from  his  mother's  side, 
Had  launched  his  bark  upon  the  perilous  tide. 

The  insidious  King  sees  well  the  tempting  hour, 
Favouring  his  arms  against  the  Persian  power, 
And  thence,  in  haste,  the  enterprise  to  share, 
Twelve  thousand  veterans  selects  with  care; 
To  Human  and  Barman  the  charge  consigns. 
And  thus  his  force  with  Samengan  combines; 
But  treacherous  first  his  martial  chiefs  he  prest, 
To  keep  the  secret  fast  within  their  breast: — 
"  For  this  bold  youth  must  not  his  father  know, 
Each  must  confront  the  other  as  his  foe — 


THE   SHA*H    NA~MEH  123 


Such  is  my  vengeance !    With  unhallowed  rage, 
Father  and  Son  shall  dreadful  battle  wage ! 
Unknown  the  youth  shall  Rustem's  force  withstand, 
And  soon  o'erwhelm  the  bulwark  of  the  land. 
Rustem  removed,  the  Persian  throne  is  ours, 
An  easy  conquest  to  confederate  powers; 
And  then,  secured  by  some  propitious  snare, 
Sohrab  himself  our  galling  bonds  shall  wear. 
Or  should  the  Son  by  Rustem's  falchion  bleed, 
The  father's  horror  at  that  fatal  deed, 
Will  rend  his  soul,  and  'midst  his  sacred  grief, 
Kaus  in  vain  will  supplicate  relief." 

The  tutored  chiefs  advance  with  speed,  and  bring 
Imperial  presents  to  the  future  king; 
In  stately  pomp  the  embassy  proceeds; 
Ten  loaded  camels,  ten  unrivalled  steeds, 
A  golden  crown,  and  throne,  whose  jewels  bright 
Gleam  in  the  sun,  and  shed  a  sparkling  light. 
A  letter  too  the  crafty  tyrant  sends, 
And  fraudful  thus  the  glorious  aim  commends. — 
"  If  Persia's  spoils  invite  thee  to  the  field, 
Accept  the  aid  my  conquering  legions  yield; 
Led  by  two  Chiefs  of  valour  and  renown, 
Upon  thy  head  to  place  the  kingly  crown." 

Elate  with  promised  fame,  the  youth  surveys 
The  regal  vest,  the  throne's  irradiant  blaze, 
The  golden  crown,  the  steeds,  the  sumptuous  load 
Of  ten  strong  camels,  craftily  bestowed; 
Salutes  the  Chiefs,  and  views  on  every  side, 
The  lengthening  ranks  with  various  arms  supplied. 
The  march  begins — the  brazen  drums  resound,* 
His  moving  thousands  hide  the  trembling  ground; 
For  Persia's  verdant  land  he  wields  the  spear, 
And  blood  and  havoc  mark  his  groaning  rear.t 

To  check  the  Invader's  horror-spreading  course, 
The  barrier-fort  opposed  unequal  force; 
That  fort  whose  walls,  extending  wide,  contained 
The  stay  of  Persia,  men  to  battle  trained. 
Soon  as  Hujir  the  dusky  crowd  descried, 
He  on  his  own  presumptuous  arm  relied, 
And  left  the  fort;   in  mail  with  shield  and  spear, 
Vaunting  he  spoke — "  What  hostile  force  is  here? 
What  Chieftain  dares  our  war-like  realms  invade?  " 
"  And  who  art  thou?  "  Sohrab  indignant  said, 
Rushing  towards  him  with  undaunted  look — 
"  Hast  thou,  audacious!  nerve  and  soul  to  brook 

*  Kus  is  a  tymbal,  or  large  brass  drum,  in  motion,  the  inhabitants  and  the  coun- 

which  is  beat  in  the  palaces  or  camps  of  try,  whether  hostile  or  friendly,  were 

Eastern  Princes.  equally  given  up  to  plunder  and  devas- 

t  It  appears  throughout  the  Shah  tation,  and  "  Everything  in  their  prog- 

Nameh  that  whenever  any  army  was  put  ress  was  burnt  and  destroyed." 


124  FIRDUSI 

The  crocodile  in  fight,  that  to  the  strife 
Singly  thou  comest,  reckless  of  thy  life?  " 

To  this  this  foe  replied — "  A  Turk  and  I 
Have  never  yet  been  bound  in  friendly  tie; 
And  soon  thy  head  shall,  severed  by  my  sword, 
Gladden  the  sight  of  Persia's  mighty  lord, 
While  thy  torn  limbs  to  vultures  shall  be  given, 
Or  bleach  beneath  the  parching  blast  of  heaven." 

The  youthful  hero  laughing  hears  the  boast, 
And  now  by  each  continual  spears  are  tost, 
Mingling  together;  like  a  flood  of  fire 
The  boaster  meets  his  adversary's  ire; 
The  horse  on  which  he  rides,  with  thundering  pace, 
Seems  like  a  mountain  moving  from  its  base; 
Sternly  he  seeks  the  stripling's  loins  to  wound, 
But  the  lance  hurtless  drops  upon  the  ground; 
Sohrab,  advancing,  hurls  his  steady  spear 
Full  on  the  middle  of  the  vain  Hujir, 
Who  staggers  in  his  seat.     With  proud  disdain 
The  youth  now  flings  him  headlong  on  the  plain, 
And  quick  dismounting,  on  his  heaving  breast 
Triumphant  stands,  his  Khunjer  firmly  prest, 
To  strike  the  head  off — but  the  blow  was  stayed — 
Trembling,  for  life,  the  craven  boaster  prayed. 
That  mercy  granted  eased  his  coward  mind, 
Though,  dire  disgrace,  in  captive  bonds  confined, 
And  sent  to  Human,  who  amazed  beheld 
How  soon  Sohrab  his  daring  soul  had  quelled. 

When  Gurd-afrid,  a  peerless  warrior-dame, 
Heard  of  the  conflict,  and  the  hero's  shame, 
Groans  heaved  her  breast,  and  tears  of  anger  flowed, 
Her  tulip  cheek  with  deeper  crimson  glowed; 
Speedful,  in  arms  magnificent  arrayed, 
A  foaming  palfrey  bore  the  martial  maid; 
The  burnished  mail  her  tender  limbs  embraced, 
Beneath  her  helm  her  clustering  locks  she  pla,ced; 
Poised  in  her  hand  an  iron  javelin  gleamed, 
And  o'er  the  ground  its  sparkling  lustre  streamed; 
Accoutred  thus  in  manly  guise,  no  eye 
However  piercing  could  her  sex  descry; 
Now,  like  a  lion,  from  the  fort  she  bends, 
And  'midst  the  foe  impetuously  descends; 
Fearless  of  soul,  demands  with  haughty  tone, 
The  bravest  chief,  for  war-like  valour  known, 
To  try  the  chance  of  fight.     In  shining  arms, 
Again  Sohrab  the  glow  of  battle  warms; 
With  scornful  smiles,  "  Another  deer!  "  he  cries, 
"  Come  to  my  victor-toils,  another  prize!  " 
The  damsel  saw  his  noose  insidious  spread, 
And  soon  her  arrows  whizzed  around  his  head; 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  125 


With  steady  skill  the  twanging  bow  she  drew, 

And  still  her  pointed  darts  unerring  flew; 

For  when  in  forest  sports  she  touched  the  string, 

Never  escaped  even  bird  upon  the  wing; 

Furious  he  burned,  and  high  his  buckler  held, 

To  ward  the  storm,  by  growing  force  impell'd ; 

And  tilted  forward  with  augmented  wrath, 

But  Gurd-afrid  aspires  to  cross  his  path; 

Now  o'er  her  back  the  slacken'd  bow  resounds; 

She  grasps  her  lance,  her  goaded  courser  bounds, 

Driven  on  the  youth  with  persevering  might — 

Unconquer'd  courage  still  prolongs  the  fight; 

The  stripling  Chief  shields  off  the  threaten'd  blow, 

Reins  in  his  steed,  then  rushes  on  the  foe; 

With  outstretch'd  arm,  he  bending  backwards  hung. 

And,  gathering  strength,  his  pointed  javelin  flung; 

Firm  through  her  girdle  belt  the  weapon  went, 

And  glancing  down  the  polish'd  armour  rent. 

Staggering,  and  stunned  by  his  superior  force, 

She  almost  tumbled  from  her  foaming  horse, 

Yet  unsubdued,  she  cut  the  spear  in  two, 

And  from  her  side  the  quivering  fragment  drew, 

Then  gain'd  her  seat,  and  onward  urged  her  steed, 

But  strong  and  fleet  Sohrab  arrests  her  speed: 

Strikes  off  her  helm,  and  sees — a  woman's  face, 

Radiant  with  blushes  and  commanding  grace! 

Thus  undeceived,  in  admiration  lost, 

He  cries,  "  A  woman,  from  the  Persian  host! 

If  Persian  damsels  thus  in  arms  engage, 

Who  shall  repel  their  warrior's  fiercer  rage?  " 

Then  from  his  saddle  thong — his  noose  he  drew, 

And  round  her  waist  the  twisted  loop  he  threw — 

"  Now  seek  not  to  escape,"  he  sharply  said, 

"  Such  is  the  fate  of  war,  unthinking  maid! 

And,  as  such  beauty  seldom  swells  our  pride, 

Vain  thy  attempt  to  cast  my  toils  aside." 

In  this  extreme,  but  one  resource  remained, 
Only  one  remedy  her  hope  sustained — 
Expert  in  wiles  each  siren-art  she  knew, 
And  thence  exposed  her  blooming  face  to  view; 
Raising  her  full  black  orbs,  serenely  bright, 
In  all  her  charms  she  blazed  before  his  sight; 
And  thus  addressed  Sohrab — "  O  warrior  brave, 
Hear  me,  and  thy  imperilled  honour  save, 
These  curling  tresses  seen  by  either  host, 
A  woman  conquered,  whence  the  glorious  boast? 
Thy  startled  troops  will  know,  with  inward  grief, 
A  woman's  arm  resists  their  towering  chief, 
Better  preserve  a  warrior's  fair  renown, 
And  let  our  struggle  still  remain  unknown, 


126  FIRDUSI 

For  who  with  wanton  folly  would  expose 
A  helpless  maid,  to  aggravate  her  woes; 
The  fort,  the  treasure,  shall  thy  toils  repay, 
The  chief,  and  garrison,  thy  will  obey, 
And  thine  the  honours  of  this  dreadful  day." 

Raptured  he  gazed,  her  smiles  resistless  move 
The  wildest  transports  of  ungoverned  love. 
Her  face  disclosed  a  paradise  to  view, 
Eyes  like  the  fawn,  and  cheeks  of  rosy  hue — 
Thus  vanquished,  lost,  unconscious  of  her  aim, 
And  only  struggling  with  his  amorous  flame, 
He  rode  behind,  as  if  compelled  by  fate, 
And  heedless  saw  her  gain  the  castle-gate. 

Safe  with  her  friends,  escaped  from  brand  and  spear, 
Smiling  she  stands,  as  if  unknown  to  fear. 
— The  father  now,  with  tearful  pleasure  wild, 
Clasps  to  his  heart  his  fondly-foster'd  child; 
The  crowding  warriors  round  her  eager  bend, 
And  grateful  prayers  to  favouring  heaven  ascend. 

Now  from  the  walls,  she,  with  majestic  air, 
Exclaims :    "  Thou  warrior  of  Turan  !    forbear, 
Why  vex  thy  soul,  and  useless  strife  demand! 
Go,  and  in  peace  enjoy  thy  native  land." 
^tern  he  rejoins:    "  Thou  beauteous  tyrant!    say, 
Though  crown'd  with  charms,  devoted  to  betray, 
When  these  proud  walls,  in  dust  and  ruins  laid, 
Yield  no  defence,  and  thou  a  captive  maid, 
Will  not  repentance  through  thy  bosom  dart, 
And  sorrow  soften  that  disdainful  heart?  " 

Quick  she  replied:  "  O'er  Persia's  fertile  fields 
The  savage  Turk  in  vain  his  falchion  wields; 
When  King  Kaus  this  bold  invasion  hears, 
And  mighty  Rustem  clad  in  arms  appears! 
Destruction  wide  will  glut  the  slippery  plain, 
And  not  one  man  of  all  thy  host  remain. 
Alas!  that  bravery,  high  as  thine,  should  mee.t 
Amidst  such  promise,  with  a  sure  defeat, 
But  not  a  gleam  of  hope  remains  for  thee, 
Thy  wondrous  valour  cannot  keep  thee  free. 
Avert  the  fate  which  o'er  thy  head  impends, 
Return,  return,  and  save  thy  martial  friends!  " 

Thus  to  be  scorned,  defrauded  of  his  prey, 
With  victory  in  his  grasp — to  lose  the  day! 
Shame  and  revenge  alternate  filled  his  mind; 
The  suburb-town  to  pillage  he  consigned, 
And  devastation — not  a  dwelling  spared; 
The  very  owl  was  from  her  covert  scared; 
Then  thus:   "  Though  luckless  in  my  aim  to-day. 
To-morrow  shall  behold  a  sterner  fray; 
This  fort,  in  ashes,  scattered  o'er  the  plain." 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  127 

He  ceased — and  turned  towards  his  troops  again; 
There,  at  a  distance  from  the  hostile  power, 
'  He  brooding  waits  the  slaughter-breathing  hour. 

Meanwhile  the  sire  of  Gurd-afrid,  who  now 
Governed  the  fort,  and  feared  the  warrior's  vow; 
Mournful  and  pale,  with  gathering  woes  opprest, 
His  distant  Monarch  trembling  thus  addrest. 
But  first  invoked  the  heavenly  power  to  shed 
Its  choicest  blessings  o'er  his  royal  head. 
"  Against  our  realm  with  numerous  foot  and  horse, 
A  stripling  warrior  holds  his  ruthless  course. 
His  lion-breast  unequalled  strength  betrays, 
And  o'er  his  mien  the  sun's  effulgence  plays: 
Sohrab  his  name;   like  Sam  Suwar  he  shows, 
Or  Rustem  terrible  amidst  his  foes. 
The  bold  Hujir  lies  vanquished  on  the  plain, 
And  drags  a  captive's  ignominious  chain; 
Myriads  of  troops  besiege  our  tottering  wall, 
And  vain  the  effort  to  suspend  its  fall. 
Haste,  arm  for  fight,  this  Tartar-power  withstand, 
Let  sweeping  Vengeance  lift  her  flickering  brand; 
Rustem  alone  may  stem  the  roaring  wave, 
And,  prompt  as  bold,  his  groaning  country  save. 
Meanwhile  in  flight  we  place  our  only  trust, 
Ere  the  proud  ramparts  crumble  in  the  dust." 

Swift  flies  the  messenger  through  secret  ways, 
And  to  the  King  the  dreadful  tale  conveys, 
Then  passed,  unseen,  in  night's  concealing  shade, 
The  mournful  heroes  and  the  warrior  maid. 

Soon  as  the  sun  with  vivifying  ray, 
Gleams  o'er  the  landscape,  and  renews  the  day; 
The  flaming  troops  the  lofty  walls  surround, 
With  thundering  crash  the  bursting  gates  resound. 
Already  are  the  captives  bound,  in  thought, 
And  like  a  herd  before  the  conqueror  brought; 
Sohrab,  terrific  o'er  the  ruin,  views 
His  hopes  deceived,  but  restless  still  pursues. 
An  empty  fortress  mocks  his  searching  eye, 
No  steel-clad  chiefs  his  burning  wrath  defy; 
No  warrior-maid  reviving  passion  warms, 
And  soothes  his  soul  with  fondly-valued  charms. 
Deep  in  his  breast  he  feels  the  amorous  smart, 
And  hugs  her  image  closer  to  his  heart. 
"  Alas !   that  Fate  should  thus  invidious  shroud 
The  moon's  soft  radiance  in  a  gloomy  cloud; 
Should  to  my  eyes  such  winning  grace  display, 
Then  snatch  the  enchanter  of  my  soul  away! 
A  beauteous  roe  my  toils  enclosed  in  vain, 
Now  I,  her  victim,  drag  the  captive's  chain ; 
Strange  the  effects  that  from  her  charms  proceed, 


I28  FIRDUSI 

1  I  gave  the  wound,  and  I  afflicted  bleed! 

Vanquished  by  her,  I  mourn  the  luckless  strife; 

Dark,  dark,  and  bitter,  frowns  my  morn  of  life. 

A  fair  unknown  my  tortured  bosom  rends, 

Withers  each  joy,  and  every  hope  suspends." 
Impassioned  thus  Sohrab  in  secret  sighed, 

And  sought,  in  vain,  o'er-mastering  grief  to  hide. 

Can  the  heart  bleed  and  throb  from  day  to  day, 

And  yet  no  trace  its  inmost  pangs  betray? 

Love  scorns  control,  and  prompts  the  labouring  sigh, 

Pales  the  red  lip,  and  dims  the  lucid  eye; 

His  look  alarmed  the  stern  Turanian  Chief, 

Closely  he  mark'd  his  heart-corroding  grief;  * 

And  though  he  knew  not  that  the  martial  dame, 

Had  in  his  bosom  lit  the  tender  flame; 

Full  well  he  knew  such  deep  repinings  prove, 

The  hapless  thraldom  of  disastrous  love. 

Full  well  he  knew  some  idol's  musky  hair, 

Had  to  his  youthful  heart  become  a  snare, 

But  still  unnoted  was  the  gushing  tear, 

Till  haply  he  had  gained  his  private  ear: — 
_^s/  "  In  ancient  times,  no  hero  known  to  fame, 

Not  dead  to  glory  e'er  indulged  the  flame; 
l  Though  beauty's  smiles  might  charm  a  fleeting  hour, 
i  The  heart,  unsway'd,  repelled  their  lasting  power. 

A  warrior  Chief  to  trembling  love  a  prey? 

What!  weep  for  woman  one  inglorious  day? 

Canst  thou  for  love's  effeminate  control, 

Barter  the  glory  of  a  warrior's  soul? 

Although  a  hundred  damsels  might  be  gained, 

The  hero's  heart  shall  still  be  free,  unchained. 

Thou  art  our  leader,  and  thy  place  the  field 

Where  soldiers  love  to  fight  with  spear  and  shield; 

And  what  hast  thou  to  do  with  tears  and  smiles, 

The  silly  victim  to  a  woman's  wiles? 

Our  progress,  mark!  from  far  Turin  we  came, 
.  Through  seas  of  blood  to  gain  immortal  fame;' 

And  wilt  thou  now  the  tempting  conquest  shun, 

When  our  brave  arms  this  Barrier-fort  have  won? 

Why  linger  here,  and  trickling  sorrows  shed, 

Till  mighty  Kaus  thunders  o'er  thy  head! 

Till  Tus,  and  Giw,  and  Gudarz,  and  Bahrain, 

And  Rustem  brave,  Feramurz,  and  Reham, 

Shall  aid  the  war!    A  great  emprise  is  thine, 

At  once,  then,  every  other  thought  resign; 

For  know  the  task  which  first  inspired  thy  zeal, 

Transcends  in  glory  all  that  love  can  feel. 

1*  Literally,    Human   was    not    at   first        as  the  Greek  and   Roman  poets,   place 
aware  that  Sohrab  was  wounded  in  the        the  residence  of  love. 
OVER.       In  this  organ,  Oriental  as  well 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  129 

Rise,  lead  the  war,  prodigious  toils  require 
Unyielding  strength,  and  unextinguished  fire; 
Pursue  the  triumph  with  tempestuous  rage, 
Against  the  world  in  glorious  strife  engage, 
And  when  an  empire  sinks  beneath  thy  sway, 
|  (O  quickly  may  we  hail  the  prosperous  day,) 
/.  The  fickle  sex  will  then  with  blooming  charms, 
/  Adoring  throng  to  bless  thy  circling  arms !  " 

Human's  warm  speech,  the  spirit-stirring  theme, 
Awoke  Sohrab  from  his  inglorious  dream. 
No  more  the  tear  his  faded  cheek  bedewed, 
Again  ambition  all  his  hopes  renewed: 
Swell'd  his  bold  heart  with  unforgotten  zeal, 
The  noble  wrath  which  heroes  only  feel; 
Fiercely  he  vowed  at  one  tremendous  stroke, 
To  bow  the  world  beneath  the  tyrant's  yoke! 
"  Afrasiyab,"  he  cried,  "  shall  reign  alone, 
The  mighty  lord  of  Persia's  gorgeous  throne!  " 

Burning,  himself,  to  rule  this  nether  sphere, 
These  welcome  tidings  charmed  the  despot's  ear. 
Meantime  Kaus,  this  dire  invasion  known, 
Had  called  his  chiefs  around  his  ivory  throne: 
There  stood  Gurgin,  and  Bahram,  and  Gushwad, 
And  Tus,  and  Giw,  and  Gudarz,  and  Ferhad; 
To  them  he  read  the  melancholy  tale, 
Gust'hem  had  written  of  the  rising  bale; 
Besought  their  aid  and  prudent  choice,  to  form 
Some  sure  defence  against  the  threatening  storm. 
With  one  consent  they  urge  the  strong  request, 
To  summon  Rustem  from  his  rural  rest. — 
Instant  a  warrior-delegate  they  send, 
And  thus  the  King  invites  his  patriot-friend, 

"  To  thee  all  praise,  whose  mighty  arm  alone, 
,  Preserves  the  glory  of  the  Persian  throne! 
Lo!   Tartar  hordes  our  happy  realms  invade; 
The  tottering  state  requires  thy  powerful  aid; 
A  youthful  Champion  leads  the  ruthless  host, 
His  savage  country's  widely-rumoured  boast. 
The  Barrier-fortress  sinks  beneath  his  sway, 
Hujir  is  vanquished,  ruin  tracks  his  way; 
Strong  as  a  raging  elephant  in  fight, 
No  arm  but  thine  can  match  his  furious  might. 
Mazinderan  thy  conquering  prowess  knew; 
The  Demon-king  thy  trenchant  falchion  slew, 
The  rolling  heavens,  abash'd  with  fear,  behold 
Thy  biting  sword,  thy  mace  adorned  with  gold! 
Fly  to  the  succour  of  a  King  distress'd, 
Proud  of  thy  love,  with  thy  protection  blest. 
When  o'er  the  nation  dread  misfortunes  lower, 
Thou  art  the  refuge,  thou  the  saving  power. 
VOL.  I.— 9 


i30  FIRDUSI 

The  chiefs  assembled  claim  thy  patriot  vows, 
Give  to  thy  glory  all  that  life  allows; 
And  while  no  whisper  breathes  the  direful  tale, 
O,  let  thy  Monarch's  anxious  prayers  prevail." 

Closing  the  fragrant  page*  o'ercome  with  dread, 
The  afflicted  King  to  Giw,  the  warrior,  said: — 
"  Go,  bind  the  saddle  on  thy  fleetest  horse, 
Outstrip  the  tempest  in  thy  rapid  course, 
To  Rustem  swift  his  country's  woes  convey, 
Too  true  art  thou  to  linger  on  the  way; 
Speed,  day  and  night — and  not  one  instant  wait, 
Whatever  hour  may  bring  thee  to  his  gate." 

Followed  no  pause — to  Giw  enough  was  said, 
Nor  rest,  nor  taste  of  food,  his  speed  delayed. 
And  when  arrived,  where  Zabul's  bowers  exhale 
Ambrosial  sweets  and  scent  the  balmy  gale, 
The  sentinel's  loud  voice  in  Rustem's  ear, 
Announced  a  messenger  from  Persia,  near; 
The  Chief  himself  amidst  his  warriors  stood, 
Dispensing  honours  to  the  brave  and  good, 
And  soon  as  Giw  had  joined  the  martial  ring, 
(The  sacred  envoy  of  the  Persian  King,) 
He,  with  becoming  loyalty  inspired, 
Asked  what  the  monarch,  what  the  state  required; 
But  Giw,  apart,  his  secret  mission  told — 
The  written  page  was  speedily  unrolled. 

Struck  with  amazement,  Rustem — "  Now  on  earth 
A  warrior-knight  of  Sam's  excelling  worth? 
Whence  comes  this  hero  of  the  prosperous  star? 
I  know  no  Turk  renowned,  like  him,  in  war; 
He  bears  the  port  of  Rustem  too,  'tis  said, 
Like  Sam,  like  Nariman,  a  warrior  bred! 
He  cannot  be  my  son,  unknown  to  me; 
Reason  forbids  the  thought — it  cannot  be! 
At  Samengan,  where  once  affection  smiled, 
To  me  Tahmineh  bore  her  only  child, 
That  was  a  daughter?  "     Pondering  thus  he  spoke, 
And  then  aloud — "  Why  fear  the  invader's  yoke? 
Why  trembling  shrink,  by  coward  thoughts  dismayed, 
Must  we  not  all  in  dust,  at  length,  be  laid? 
But  come,  to  Nirum's  palace,  haste  with  me, 
And  there  partake  the  feast — from  sorrow  free; 
Breathe,  but  awhile — ere  we  our  toils  renew, 
And  moisten  the  parched  lip  with  needful  dew. 
Let  plans  of  war  another  day  decide, 
We  soon  shall  quell  this  youthful  hero's  pride. 

*  The  paper  upon  which  the  letters  of  in  gold.    This  was  scented  with  amber, 

royal    and   distinguished   personages   in  The    degree    of    embellishment    is   gen- 

the    East    are    written    is    usually    per-  erally  regulated  according  to  the  rank 

fumed,  and  covered  with  curious  devices  of  the  party. 


THE    SH/H    NAMEH  131 

The  force  of  fire  soon  flutters  and  decays 
When  ocean,  swelled  by  storms,  its  wrath  displays. 
What  danger  threatens!  whence  the  dastard  fear! 
Rest,  and  at  leisure  share  a  warrior's  cheer." 

In  vain  the  Envoy  prest  the  Monarch's  grief; 
The  matchless  prowess  of  the  stripling  chief; 
How  brave  Hujir  had  felt  his  furious  hand; 
What  thickening  woes  beset  the  shuddering  land. 
But  Rustem,  still,  delayed  the  parting  day, 
And  mirth  and  feasting  rolled  the  hours  away; 
Morn  following  morn  beheld  the  banquet  bright, 
Music  and  wine  prolonged  the  genial  rite; 
Rapt  by  the  witchery  of  the  melting  strain, 
No  thought  of  Kaus  touch'd  his  swimming  brain.* 

The  trumpet's  clang,  on  fragrant  breezes  borne, 
Now  loud  salutes  the  fifth  revolving  morn; 
The  softer  tones  which  charm'd  the  jocund  feast, 
And  all  the  noise  of  revelry,  had  ceased, 
The  generous  horse,  with  rich  embroidery  deckt, 
Whose  gilded  trappings  sparkling  light  reflect, 
Bears  with  majestic  port  the  Champion  brave, 
And  high  in  air  the  victor-banners  wave. 
Prompt  at  the  martial  call,  Zuaja  leads 
His  veteran  troops  from  Zabul's  verdant  meads.t 

Ere  Rustem  had  approached  his  journey's  end, 
Tus,  Gudarz,  Gushwad,  met  their  champion-friend 
With  customary  honours;   pleased  to  bring 
The  shield  of  Persia  to  the  anxious  King. 
But  foaming  wrath  the  senseless  monarch  swayed; 
His  friendship  scorned,  his  mandate  disobeyed, 
Beneath  dark  brows  o'er-shadowing  deep,  his  eye 
Red  gleaming  shone,  like  lightning  through  the  sky 
And  when  the  warriors  met  his  sullen  view, 
Frowning  revenge,  still  more  enraged  he  grew: — 
Loud  to  the  Envoy  thus  he  fiercely  cried: — 
"  Since  Rustem  has  my  royal  power  defied, 
Had  I  a  sword,  this  instant  should  his  head 
Roll  on  the  ground;   but  let  him  now  be  led 
Hence,  and  impaled  alive."  $    Astounded  Giw 
Shrunk  from  such  treatment  of  a  knight  so  true; 
.But  this  resistance  added  to  the  flame, 
And  both  were  branded  with  revolt  and  shame; 
Both  were  condemned,  and  Tus,  the  stern  decree 

*  Four  days  were  consumed  in  unin-  $  The   original   is;    "  Seize   and   inflict 

terrupted  feasting.     This  seems  to  have  upon  him  the  punishment  of  the  dar." 

been  an  ancient  practice  previous  to  the  According    to    Burhani-katia,    dar    is    a 

commencement  of  any  important  under-  tree  upon  which  felons  are  hanged.    But 

taking,  or  at  setting  out  on  a  journey.  the  general  acceptation  of  the  term  is 

t  Zuara,   it  will   be  remembered,   was  breaking   or  tearing  the  body  upon   a 

the  brother  of  Rustem,  and  had  the  im-  stake, 
mediate   superintendence   of  the   Zabul 
troops. 


I32  FIRDUSI 

Received,  to  break  them  on  the  felon-tree. 

Could  daring  insult,  thus  deliberate  given, 

Escape  the  rage  of  one  to  frenzy  driven? 

No,  from  his  side  the  nerveless  Chief  was  flung, 

Bent  to  the  ground.     Away  the  Champion  sprung; 

Mounted  his  foaming  horse,  and  looking  round — 

His  boiling  wrath  thus  rapid  utterance  found: — 

"  Ungrateful  King,  thy  tyrant  acts  disgrace 

The  sacred  throne,  and  more,  the  human  race; 

Midst  clashing  swords  thy  recreant  life  I  save,d, 

And  am  I  now  by  Tus  contemptuous  braved?  * 

On  me  shall  Tus,  shall  Kaus  dare  to  frown? 

On  me,  the  bulwark  of  the  regal  crown? 

Wherefore  should  fear  in  Rustem's  breast  have  birth, 

Kaus,  to  me,  a  worthless  clod  of  earth! 

Go,  and  thyself  Sohrab's  invasion  stay, 

Go,  seize  the  plunderers  growling  o'er  their  prey! 

Wherefore  to  others  give  the  base  command? 

Go,  break  him  on  the  tree  with  thine  own  hand. 

Know,  thou  hast  roused  a  warrior,  great  and  free, 

Who  never  bends  to  tyrant  Kings  like  thee! 

Was  not  this  untired  arm  triumphant  seen, 

In  Misser,  Rum,  Mazinderan,  and  Chin ! 
.  And  must  I  shrink  at  thy  imperious  nod! 
i  Slave  to  no  Prince,  I  only  bow  to  God. 

Whatever  wrath  from  thee,  proud  King!  may  fall, 

For  thee  I  fought,  and  I  deserve  it  all. 

The  regal  sceptre  might  have  graced  my  hand, 

I  kept  the  laws,  and  scorned  supreme  command. 

When  Kai-kobad  and  Alberz  mountain  strayed, 

I  drew  him  thence,  and  gave  a  warrior's  aid; 

Placed  on  his  brows  the  long-contested  crown, 

Worn  by  his  sires,  by  sacred  right  his  own; 

Strong  in  the  cause,  my  conquering  arms  prevailed, 

Wouldst  thou  have  reign'd  had  Rustem's  valour  failed 

When  the  White  Demon  raged  in  battle-fray, 

Wouldst  thou  have  lived  had  Rustem  lost  the  day?  " 

Then  to  his  friends:  "  Be  wise,  and  shun  your  fate, 

Fly  the  wide  ruin  which  o'erwhelms  the  state; 

The  conqueror  comes — the  scourge  of  great  and  small, 

And  vultures,  following  fast,  will  gorge  on  all. 

Persia  no  more  its  injured  Chief  shall  view  " — 

He  said,  and  sternly  from  the  court  withdrew. 
The  warriors  now,  with  sad  forebodings  wrung, 

*  In  this  speech  Rustem  recounts  the        I    sacked    twelve   ample   cities    on    the 
services   which    he    had    performed    for  main, 

Kaus.     He  speaks  of  his  conquests   in        And  twelve  lay  smoking  on  the  Trojan 
Egypt,   China,   Hamaveran,   Rum,    Suk-  plain. 

sar,    and    Mazinderan.       Thus    Achilles  POPE.— Iliad  ix.  328. 

boasts  of  his  unrequited  achievements  in 
the  cause  of  Greece. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH 


133 


Torn  from  that  hope  to  which  they  proudly  clung, 

On  Gudarz  rest,  to  soothe  with  gentle  sway, 

The  frantic  King,  and  Rustem's  wrath  allay. 

With  bitter  grief  they  wail  misfortune's  shock, 

No  shepherd  now  to  guard  the  timorous  flock. 

Gudarz  at  length,  with  boding  cares  imprest, 

Thus  soothed  the  anger  in  the  royal  breast. 

"  Say,  what  has  Rustem  done,  that  he  should  be 

Impaled  upon  the  ignominious  tree? 

Degrading  thought,  unworthy  to  be  bred 

Within  a  royal  heart,  a  royal  head. 

Hast  thou  forgot  when  near  the  Caspian-wave, 

Defeat  and  ruin  had  appalled  the  brave, 

When  mighty  Rustem  struck  the  dreadful  blow, 

And  nobly  freed  thee  from  the  savage  foe? 

Did  Demons  huge  escape  his  flaming  brand? 

Their  reeking  limbs  bestrew'd  the  slippery  strand. 

Shall  he  for  this  resign  his  vital  breath? 

What!  shall  the  hero's  recompense  be  death? 

But  who  will  dare  a  threatening  step  advance, 

Wrhat  earthly  power  can  bear  his  withering  glance? 

Should  he  to  Zabul  fired  with  wrongs  return, 

The  plunder'd  land  will  long  in  sorrow  mourn! 

This  direful  presage  all  our  warriors  feel, 

For  who  can  now  oppose  the  invader's  steel; 

Thus  is  it  wise  thy  champion  to  offend, 

To  urge  to  this  extreme  thy  warrior-friend? 

Remember,  passion  ever  scorns  control, 

And  wisdom's  mild  decrees  should  rule  a  Monarch's  soul."  * 

Kaus,  relenting,  heard  with  anxious  ear, 

And  groundless  wrath  gave  place  to  shame  and  fear; 

"  Go  then,"  he  cried,  "  his  generous  aid  implore, 

And  to  your  King  the  mighty  Chief  restore!" 

When  Gudarz  rose,  and  seized  his  courser's  rein, 
A  crowd  of  heroes  followed  in  his  train. 
To  Rustem,  now  (respectful  homage  paid), 
The  royal  prayer  he  anxious  thus  conveyed. 
The  King,  repentant,  seeks  thy  aid  again, 
Grieved  to  the  heart  that  he  has  given  thee  pain; 
But  though  his  anger  was  unjust  and  strong, 
Thy  country  still  is  guiltless  of  the  wrong, 
And,  therefore,  why  abandoned  thus  by  thee? 
Thy  help  the  King  himself  implores  through  me." 
Rustem  rejoined:  "Unworthy  the  pretence, 

*  Literally,  _"  Kings   ought  to   be  _  en-  wars  against  Afrasiyab  under  the  Kings 

dowed   with    judgment    and    discretion;  of    the   second   dynasty.       He   was   the 

no    advantage    can    arise    from    impetu-  father  of  Giw,  who  is  also  celebrated  for 

osity  and  rage."    Gudarz  was  one  of  the  his  valor  in  the  following  reigns.     The 

greatest    generals    of     Persia,    he    con-  opinion    of    this    venerable    and    distin- 

quered  Judea,  and  took  Jerusalem  under  guished   warrior    appears   to   have   had 

the    reign    of    Lohurasp,    of    the    first  considerable  weight  and  influence  with 

dynasty  of  Persia,  and  sustained  many  Kaus. 


I34  FIRDUSI 

And  scorn  and  insult  all  my  recompense? 
Must  I  be  galled  by  his  capricious  mood? 
I,  who  have  still  his  firmest  champion  stood? 
But  all  is  past,  to  heaven  alone  resigned, 
No  human  cares  shall  more  disturb  my  mind! " 
Then  Gudarz  thus  (consummate  art  inspired 
His  prudent  tongue,  with  all  that  zeal  required); 
"  When  Rustem  dreads  Sohrab's  resistless  power, 
Well  may  inferiors  fly  the  trying  hour! 
The  dire  suspicion  now  pervades  us  all, 
Thus,  unavenged,  shall  beauteous  Persia  fall! 
Yet,  generous  still,  avert  the  lasting  shame, 
O,  still  preserve  thy  country's  glorious  fame! 
Or  wilt  thou,  deaf  to  all  our  fears  excite, 
Forsake  thy  friends,  and  shun  the  pending  fight? 
And  worse,  O  grief!  in  thy  declining  days, 
Forfeit  the  honours  of  thy  country's  praise?  " 
This  artful  censure  set  his  soul  on  fire, 
But  patriot  firmness  calm'd  his  burning  ire; 
And  thus  he  said — "  Inured  to  war's  alarms, 
Did  ever  Rustem  shun  the  din  of  arms? 
Though  frowns  from  Kaus  I  disdain  to  bear, 
My  threaten'd  country  claims  a  warrior's  care." 
He  ceased,  and  prudent  joined  the  circling  throng, 
And  in  the  public  good  forgot  the  private  wrong. 

From  far  the  King  the  generous  Champion  viewed, 
And  rising,  mildly   thus  his  speech  pursued: — 
"  Since  various  tempers  govern  all  mankind, 
Me,  nature  fashioned  of  a  f reward  mind;  * 
And  what  the  heavens  spontaneously  bestow, 
Sown  by  their  bounty  must  for  ever  grow. 
The  fit  of  wrath  which  burst  within  me,  soon 
Shrunk  up  my  heart  as  thin  as  the  new  moon;  t 
Else  had  I  deemed  thee  still  my  army's  boast, 
Source  of  my  regal  power,  beloved  the  most, 
'Unequalled.     Every  day,  remembering  thee, 
I  drain  the  wine  cup,  thou  art  all  to  me; 
I  wished  thee  to  perform  that  lofty  part, 
Claimed  by  thy  valour,  sanctioned  by  my  heart; 
Hence  thy  delay  my  better  thoughts  supprest, 
And  boisterous  passions  revelled  in  my  breast; 
But  when  I  saw  thee  from  my  Court  retire 
In  wrath,  repentance  quenched  my  burning  ire. 
O,  let  me  now  my  keen  contrition  prove, 

*  Kaus,  in  acknowledging  the  violence  "Ashes    have    fallen    into    my    meat": 

of     his     disposition,     uses     a     singular  meaning,  that  his  happiness  is  gone, 

phrase:  "  When  you  departed  in  anger,  t  This     is    one    of     Firdusi's    favorite 

O  Champion!  I  repented;  ashes  fell  into  similes. 

my  mouth."  A  similar  metaphor  is  used  "  My   heart   became  as   slender   as   the 

in  Hindustani:     If  a  person  falls  under  new  moon." 
the   displeasure  of  his  friend,  he  says, 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  135 

Again  enjoy  thy  fellowship  and  love: 

And  while  to  thee  my  gratitude  is  known, 

Still  be  the  pride  and  glory  of  my  throne." 

Rustem,  thus  answering  said: — "  Thou  art  the  King, 
,  Source  of  command,  pure  honour's  sacred  spring; 
And  here  I  stand  to  follow  thy  behest, 
Obedient  ever — be  thy  will  expressed, 
And  services  required — Old  age  shall  see 
My  loins  still  bound  in  fealty  to  thee." 

To  this  the  King: — "  Rejoice  we  then  to-day, 
And  on  the  morrow  marshal  our  array." 
The  monarch  quick  commands  the  feast  of  joy, 
And  social  cares  his  buoyant  mind  employ, 
Within  a  bower,  beside  a  crystal  spring,* 
Where  opening  flowers,  refreshing  odours  fling, 
Cheerful  he  sits,  and  forms  the  banquet  scene, 
In  regal  splendour  on  the  crowded  green; 
And  as  around  he  greets  his  valiant  bands, 
Showers  golden  presents  from  his  bounteous  hands  ;t 
Voluptuous  damsels  trill  the  sportive  lay, 
Whose  sparkling  glances  beam  celestial  day; 
Fill'd  with  delight  the  heroes  closer  join, 
And  quaff  till  midnight  cups  of  generous  wine. 

Soon  as  the  Sun  had  pierced  the  veil  of  night, 
And  o'er  the  prospect  shed  his  earliest  light, 
Kaus,  impatient,  bids  the  clarions  sound, 
The  sprightly  notes  from  hills  and  rocks  rebound; 
His  treasure  gates  are  opened: — and  to  all 
A  largess  given;  obedient  to  the  call, 
His  subjects  gathering  crowd  the  mountain's  brow, 
And  following  thousands  shade  the  vales  below; 
With  shields,  in  armor,  numerous  legions  bend; 
And  troops  of  horse  the  threatening  lines  extend. 
Beneath  the  tread  of  heroes  fierce  and  strong, 
By  war's  tumultuous  fury  borne  along, 

*  The   beautiful   arbors   referred   to   in  the  custom  still  exists,  to  throw  money 

the  text   are  often   included   within  the  amongst  the  people,     in  Hafiz,  the  term 

walls  of  Eastern  palaces.  They  are  fanci-  used  is  nisar,  which  is  of  the  same  im- 

fully  fitted  up,  and  supplied  with  reser-  port.     Clarke,  in  the  second  volume  of 

voirs,  f9untains,  and  flower-trees.    These  his  Travels,  speaks  of  the  four  principal 

romantic     garden-pavilions     are     called  Sultanas    of    the    Seraglio   at     Constan- 

Kiosks    in   Turkey,    and     are    generally  tinople  being  powdered  with  diamonds: 

situated  upon  an  eminence  near  a  run-  "  Long   spangled  robes,   open  in  front, 

ninpr  stream.  with    pantaloons    embroidered     in    gold 

t  Milton    alludes    to     this    custom    in  and  silver,  and  covered  by  a  profusion 

Paradise  Lost:  of  pearls  and  precious  stones,  displayed 

Where  the  gorgeous  east  with  richest  their  persons  to  great  advantage.    Their 

hand  hair  hung  in  loose  and  very  thick  tresses 

Showers   on    her    Kings    barbaric    pearl  on    each    side    of    their    cheeks,    falling 

and  gold.  quite  down  to  the  waist,   and  covering 

In   the   note   on   this   passage   by   War-  their   shoulders   behind.     Those   tresses 

burton,  it  is  said  to  have  been  an  east-  were  quite  powdered  with  diamonds,  not 

ern  ceremony,  at  the  coronation  of  their  displayed     according     to     any     studied 

Kings,  to   powder  them  with   gold-dust  arrangement,    but   as   if   carelessly   scat- 

and   seed-pearl.   The   expression   in    Fir-  tered,  by  handfuls,  among  their  flowing 

dusi     is,     "  he     showered    or    scattered  locks." — Vol.  ii.  p.   14. 
gems."     It  was  usual  at  festivals,  and 


j36  FIRDUSI 

The  firm  earth  shook:  the  dust,  in  eddies  driven, 
Whirled  high  in  air,  obscured  the  face  of  heaven; 
Nor  earth,  nor  sky  appeared — all,  seeming  lost, 
And  swallowed  up  by  that  wide-spreading  host. 
The  steely  armour  glitter'd  o'er  the  fields,* 
And  lightnings  flash'd  from  gold  emblazoned  shields; 
Thou  wouldst  have  said,  the  clouds  had  burst  in  showers. 
•  .Of  sparkling  amber  o'er  the  martial  powers.t 
Thus,  close  embodied,  they  pursued  their  way, 
And  reached  the  Barrier-fort  in  terrible  array. 

The  legions  of  Turan,  with  dread  surprise, 
Saw  o'er  the  plain  successive  myriads  rise; 
And  showed  them  to  Sohrab;    he,  mounting  high 
The  fort,  surveyed  them  with  a  fearless  eye; 
To  Human,  who,  with  withering  terror  pale, 
Had  marked  their  progress  through  the  distant  vale, 
He  pointed  out  the  sight,  and  ardent  said: — 
"  Dispel  these  woe-fraught  broodings  from  thy  head, 
I  wage  the  war,  Afrasiyab!   for  thee, 
And  make  this  desert  seem  a  rolling  sea." 
Thus,  while  amazement  every  bosom  quell'd, 
Sohrab,  unmoved,  the  coming  storm  beheld, 
And  boldly  gazing  on  the  camp  around, 
Raised  high  the  cup  with  wine  nectareous  crowned: 
O'er  him  no  dreams  of  woe  insidious  stole, 
No  thought  but  joy  engaged  his  ardent  soul. 

The  Persian  legions  had  restrained  their  course, 
Tents  and  pavilions,  countless  foot  and  horse, 
Clothed  all  the  spacious  plain,  and  gleaming  threw 
Terrific  splendours  on  the  gazer's  view. 
But  when  the  Sun  had  faded  in  the  west, 
And  night  assumed  her  ebon-coloured  vest, 
The  mighty  Chief  approached  the  sacred  throne, 
And  generous  thus  made  danger  all  his  own: 
"  The  rules  of  war  demand  a  previous  task, 
To  watch  this  dreadful  foe  I  boldly  ask; 
With  wary  step  the  wondrous  youth  to  view, 
And  mark  the  heroes  who  his  path  pursue." 
The  King  assents:   "  The  task  is  justly  thine, 
Favourite  of  heaven,  inspired  by  power  divine." 
In  Turkish  habit,  secretly  arrayed, 
The  lurking  Champion  wandered  through  the  shade 
And,  cautious,  standing  near  the  palace  gate, 
Saw  how  the  chiefs  were  ranged  in  princely  state. 

What  time  Sohrab  his  thoughts  to  battle  turned, 
And  for  the  first  proud  fruits  of  conquest  burned, 

*  In   his   descriptions   of   battle-array,  t  The  original  is  Sandurfls,  sandaraca; 

Firdusi    seldom     omits    "  golden    slip-  for    which    I    have    substituted    amber. 

pers,"  which,  however,  I  have  not  pre-  Sandurds  is  the  Arabic  name  for  Gum 

served  in  this  place.  Juniper. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  137 


His  mother  called  a  warrior  to  his  aid, 
And  Zinda-ruzm  his  sister's  call  obeyed. 
To  him  Tahmineh  gave  her  only  joy, 
And  bade  him  shield  the  bold  adventurous  boy: 
"  But,  in  the  dreadful  strife,  should  danger  rise, 
Present  my  child  before  his  father's  eyes! 
By  him  protected,  war  may  rage  in  vain, 
Though  he  may  never  bless  these  arms  again! " 
This  guardian  prince  sat  on  the  stripling's  right, 
Viewing  the  imperial  banquet  with  delight. 
Human  and  Barman,  near  the  hero  placed, 
In  joyous  pomp  the  full  assembly  graced; 
A  hundred  valiant  Chiefs  begirt  the  throne, 
And,  all  elate,  were  chaunting  his  renown. 
Closely  concealed,  the  gay  and  splendid  scene, 
Rustem  contemplates  with  astonished  mien; 
When  Zind,  retiring,  marks  the  listener  nigh, 
Watching  the  festal  train  with  curious  eye; 
And  well  he  knew,  amongst  his  Tartar  host, 
Such  towering  stature  not  a  Chief  could  boast — 
"  What  spy  is  here,  close  shrouded  by  the  night? 
Art  thou  afraid  to  face  the  beams  of  light?  " 
But  scarcely  from  his  lips  these  words  had  past, 
Ere,  fell'd  to  earth,  he  groaning  breathed  his  last; 
Unseen  he  perish'd,  fate  decreed  the  blow, 
To  add  fresh  keenness  to  a  parent's  woe. 

Meantime  Sohrab,  perceiving  the  delay 
In  Zind's  return,  looked  round  him  with  dismay; 
The  seat  still  vacant — but  the  bitter  truth, 
Full  soon  was  known  to  the  distracted  youth; 
Full  soon  he  found  that  Zinda-ruzm  was  gone, 
His  day  of  feasting  and  of  glory  done; 
Speedful  towards  the  fatal  spot  he  ran, 
Where  slept  in  bloody  vest  the  slaughtered  man. 

The  lighted  torches  now  displayed  the  dead, 
Stiff  on  the  ground  his  graceful  limbs  were  spread; 
Sad  sight  to  him  who  knew  his  guardian  care, 
Now  doom'd  a  kinsman's  early  loss  to  bear; 
Anguish  and  rage  devour  his  breast  by  turns, 
He  vows  revenge,  then  o'er  the  warrior  mourns: 
And  thus  exclaims  to  each  afflicted  Chief: — 
"  No  time,  to-night,  my  friends,  for  useless  grief; 
The  ravenous  wolf  has  watched  his  helpless  prey, 
Sprung  o'er  the  fold,  and  borne  its  flower  away; 
But  if  the  heavens  my  lifted  arm  befriend, 
Upon  the  guilty  shall  my  wrath  descend — 
Unsheathed,  this  sword  shall  dire  revenge  pursue, 
And  Persian  blood  the  thirsty  land  bedew." 
Frowning  he  paused,  and  check'd  the  spreading  woe, 
Resumed  the  feast,  and  bid  the  wine-cup  flow! 


138  FIRDUSI 

The  valiant  Giw  was  sentinel  that  night, 
And  marking  dimly  by  the  dubious  light, 
A  warrior  form  approach,  he  claps  his  hands, 
With  naked  sword  and  lifted  shield  he  stands, 
To  front  the  foe;  but  Rustem  now  appears, 
And  Giw  the  secret  tale  astonished  hears; 
From  thence  the  Champion  on  the  Monarch  waits. 
The  power  and  splendour  of  Sohrab  relates: 
"  Circled  by  Chiefs  this  glorious  youth  was  seen, 
Of  lofty  stature  and  majestic  mien; 
No  Tartar  region  gave  the  hero  birth: 
Some  happier  portion  of  the  spacious  earth; 
Tall,  as  the  graceful  cypress  he  appears; 
Like  Sam,  the  brave,  his  warrior-front  he  rears !  " 
Then  having  told  how,  while  the  banquet  shone, 
Unhappy  Zind  had  sunk,  without  a  groan; 
He  forms  his  conquering  bands  in  close  array, 
And,  cheer'd  by  wine,  awaits  the  coming  day. 

When  now  the  Sun  his  golden  buckler  raised, 
And  genial  light  through  heaven  diffusive  blazed, 
Sohrab  in  mail  his  nervous  limbs  attired, 
For  dreadful  wrath  his  soul  to  vengeance  fired; 
With  anxious  haste  he  bent  the  yielding  cord, 
Ring  within  ring,  more  fateful  than  the  sword ; 
Around  his  brows  a  regal  helm  he  bound; 
His  dappled  steed  impatient  stampt  the  ground. 
Thus  armed,  ascending  where  the  eye  could  trace 
The  hostile  force,  and  mark  each  leader's  place, 
He  called  Hujir,  the  captive  Chief  addressed, 
And  anxious  thus,  his  soul's  desire  expressed: 
"  A  prisoner  thou,  if  freedom's  voice  can  charm, 
And  dungeon  darkness  fill  thee  with  alarm, 
That  freedom  merit,  shun  severest  woe, 
And  truly  answer  what  I  ask  to  know! 
If  rigid  truth  thy  ready  speech  attend, 
Honours  and  wealth  shall  dignify  my  friend." 

"  Obedient  to  thy  wish,"  Hujir  replied, 
"Truth  thou  shalt  hear,  whatever  chance  betide; 
For  what  on  earth  to  praise  has  better  claim? 
Falsehood  but  leads  to  sorrow  and  to  shame!  " 

"  Then  say,  what  heroes  lead  the  adverse  host, 
Where  they  command,  what  dignities  they  boast; 
Say,  where  does  Kaus  hold  his  kingly  state, 
Where  Tus,  and  Gudarz,  on  his  bidding  wait; 
Giw,  Gust'hem,  and  Bahram — all  known  to  thee, 
And  where  is  mighty  Rustem,  where  is  he? 
Look  round  with  care,  their  names  and  power  display 
Or  instant  death  shall  end  thy  vital  day." 

"  Where  yonder  splendid  tapestries  extend, 
And  o'er  pavilions  bright  infolding  bend, 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  139 

A  throne  triumphal  shines  with  sapphire  rays, 
And  golden  suns  upon  the  banners  blaze; 
Full  in  the  centre  of  the  hosts — and  round 
The  tent  a  hundred  elephants  are  bound, 
As  if,  in  pomp,  he  mocked  the  power  of  fate; 
There  royal  Kaus  holds  his  kingly  state. 

In  yonder  tent  which  numerous  guards  protect, 
Where  front  and  rear  illustrious  Chiefs  collect; 
Where  horsemen  wheeling  seem  prepared  for  fight, 
Their  golden  armour  glittering  in  the  light; 
Ttis  lifts  his  banners,  deck'd  with  royal  pride, 
Feared  by  the  brave,  the  soldier's  friend  and  guide.* 

That  crimson  tent  where  spear-men  frowning  stand, 
•  And  steel-clad  veterans  form  a  threatening  band, 
Holds  mighty  Gtidarz,  famed  for  martial  fire, 
Of  eighty  valiant  sons  the  valiant  sire; 
Yet  strong  in  arms,  he  shuns  inglorious  ease, 
His  lion-banners  floating  in  the  breeze." 

But  mark,  that  green  pavilion;   girt  around 
By  Persian  nobles,  speaks  the  Chief  renowned; 
Fierce  on  the  standard,  worked  with  curious  art, 
A  hideous  dragon  writhing  seems  to  start; 
Throned  in  his  tent  the  warrior's  form  is  seen, 
Towering  above  the  assembled  host  between! 
A  generous  horse  before  him  snorts  and  neighs, 
The  trembling  earth  the  echoing  sound  conveys. 
Like  him  no  Champion  ever  met  my  eyes, 
No  horse  like  that  for  majesty  and  size; 
What  Chief  illustrious  bears  a  port  so  high? 
Mark,  how  his  standard  flickers  through  the  sky!  " 

Thus  ardent  spoke  Sohrab.     Hujir  dismayed, 
Paused  ere  reply  the  dangerous  truth  betrayed. 
Trembling  for  Rustem's  life  the  captive  groaned; 
Basely  his  country's  glorious  boast  disowned, 
And  said  the  Chief  from  distant  China  came — 
Sohrab  abrupt  demands  the  hero's  name; 
The  name  unknown,  grief  wrings  his  aching  heart, 
And  yearning  anguish  speeds  her  venom'd  dart; 
To  him  his  mother  gave  the  tokens  true, 
He  sees  them  all,  and  all  but  mock  his  view. 
When  gloomy  fate  descends  in  evil  hour, 
Can  human  wisdom  bribe  her  favouring  power? 
Yet,  gathering  hope,  again  with  restless  mien 
He  marks  the  Chiefs  who  crowd  the  warlike  scene. 

"  Where  numerous  heroes,  horse  and  foot,  appear, 
And  brazen  trumpets  thrill  the  listening  ear, 
Behold  the  proud  pavilion  of  the  brave! 
With  wolves  emboss'd  the  silken  banners  wave. 

*  The  banners  were  adorned  with  the  figure  of  an  elephant,  to  denote  his  royal 
descent. 


I4o  FIRDUSI 

The  throne's  bright  gems  with  radiant  lustre  glow, 
Slaves  rank'd  around  with  duteous  homage  bow. 
What  mighty  Chieftain  rules  his  cohorts  there? 
His  name  and  lineage,  free  from  guile,  declare!  " 

"  Giw,  son  of  Giidarz,  long  a  glorious  name, 
Whose  prowess  even  transcends  his  father's  fame."  * 

"  Mark  yonder  tent  of  pure  and  dazzling  white, 
Whose  rich  brocade  reflects  a  quivering  light; 
An  ebon  seat  surmounts  the  ivory  throne; 
There  frowns  in  state  a  warrior  of  renown. 
The  crowding  slaves  his  awful  nod  obey, 
And  silver  moons  around  his  banners  play; 
What  Chief,  or  Prince,  has  grasped  the  hostile  sword? 
Friburz,  the  son  of  Persia's  mighty  lord." 
Again:   "These  standards  show  one  champion  more, 
Upon  their  centre  flames  the  savage  boar;  t 
The  saffron-hued  pavilion  bright  ascends, 
Whence  many  a  fold  of  tasselled  fringe  depends; 
Who  there  presides?  " 

"Guraz,  from  heroes  sprung, 
Whose  praise  exceeds  the  power  of  mortal  tongue." 

Thus,  anxious,  he  explored  the  crowded  field, 
Nor  once  the  secret  of  his  birth  revealed  ;t 
Heaven  will'd  it  so.     Pressed  down  by  silent  grief, 
Surrounding  objects  promised  no  relief. 
This  world  to  mortals  still  denies  repose, 
And  life  is  still  the  scene  of  many  woes. 
Again  his  eye,  instinctive  turned,  descried 
The  green  pavilion,  and  the  warrior's  pride. 
Again  he  cries:  "  O  tell  his  glorious  name; 
Yon  gallant  horse  declares  the  hero's  fame!  " 
But  false  Hujir  the  aspiring  hope  repelled, 
Crushed  the  fond  wish,  the  soothing  balm  withheld, 
"  And  why  should  I  conceal  his  name  from  thee? 
His  name  and  title  are  unknown  to  me." 

Then  thus  Sohrab — "  In  all  that  thou  hast  said, 

*  The  text  says  that  he  was  also  the  recognized,  and  the  family  to  which  he 

son-in-law  of  Rustem.  belongs    easily    ascertained.      A    younp: 

t  The    word     Guraz    signifies    a     wild  lady  wears  her  father's  arms  until  after 

boar,   but  this   acceptation  is  not  very  her  marriage,  when  she  assumes  those 

accordant   to    Mussulman   notions,    and  of  her  husband.     The  greatest  mark  of 

consequently  it  is  not  supposed,  by  the  honor  which  a  Prince  or  a  Governor  can 

orthodox,  to  have  that  meaning  in  the  confer  upon  any  one,  is  to  give  him  a 

text.     It   is   curious   that   the   name   of  cloak  with  his  arms  upon  it,  the  person 

the  warrior,    Guraz,    should   correspond  having    such    a   one    wearing    his   own 

with  the  bearings  on  the  standard.    This  arms  upon  his  under  dress, 
frequently    obtains    in    the    heraldry    of    •>      %  Firdusi    considers    this    to    be    des- 

Europe.     Family   bearings   seem   to   be  tiny!     It   would   have   been   natural    in 

used  in  every  country  of  any  degree  of  Sohrab  to  have  gloried  in  the  fame  of 

civilization.     Krusenstern,   the   Russian  his  father,   but  from  an  inevitable  dis- 

circumnavigator,  speaking  of  the  Japan-  pensation,   his   lips   are  here   sealed   on 

ese,    says,    "  Everyone    has    his    family  that  subject;  and  he  inquires  of  Rustem 

arms  worked  into  his  clothes,  in  differ-  as  if  he  only  wanted  to  single  him  out 

ent    places,    about    the    size    of    a    half  for  the  purpose  of  destroying  him.    The 

dollar,  a  practice  usual  to  both  sexes;  people  of  Persia  are  all  fatalists, 
and  in  this  manner  any  person  may  be 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  141 

No  sign  of  Rustem  have  thy  words  conveyed; 
Thou  sayest  he  leads  the  Persian  host  to  arms, 
With  him  has  battle  lost  its  boisterous  charms? 
Of  him  no  trace  thy  guiding  hand  has  shown ; 
Can  power  supreme  remain  unmark'd,  unknown?  " 

"  Perhaps  returned  to  Zabul's  verdant  bowers, 
He  undisturbed  enjoys  his  peaceful  hours, 
The  vernal  banquets  may  constrain  his  stay, 
And  rural  sports  invite  prolonged  delay." 

"  Ah!   say  not  thus;   the  Champion  of  the  world, 
Shrink  from  the  kindling  war  with  banners  furled! 
It  cannot  be!     Say  where  his  lightnings  dart, 
Show  me  the  warrior,  all  thou  know'st  impart; 
Treasures  uncounted  shall  be  thy  reward, 
Death  changed  to  life,  my  friendship  more  than  shared. 
Dost  thou  not  know  what,  in  the  royal  ear, 
The  Mubid  said — befitting  Kings  to  hear? 
'  Untold,  a  secret  is  a  jewel  bright, 
Yet  profitless  whilst  hidden  from  the  light; 
But  when  revealed,  in  words  distinctly  given, 
It  shines  refulgent  as  the  sun  through  heaven.' "  * 

To  him,  Hujir  evasive  thus  replies: 
^  Through  all  the  extended  earth  his  glory  flies ! 
Whenever  dangers  round  the  nation  close, 
Rustem  approaches,  and  repels  its  foes; 
And  shouldst  thou  see  him  mix  in  mortal  strife, 
Thou'dst  think  'twere  easier  to  escape  with  life 
From  tiger  fell,  or  demon — or  the  fold 
Of  the  chafed  dragon,  than  his  dreadful  hold — 
When  fiercest  battle  clothes  the  fields  with  fire, 
Before  his  rage  embodied  hosts  retire!  " 

"  And  where  didst  thou  encountering  armies  see? 
Why  Rustem's  praise  so  proudly  urge  to  me? 
Let  us  but  meet  and  thou  shalt  trembling  know, 
How  fierce  that  wrath  which  bids  my  bosom  glow: 
If  living  flames  express  his  boundless  ire, 
O'erwhelming  waters  quench  consuming  fire! 
And  deepest  darkness,  glooms  of  ten-fold  night, 
Fly  from  the  piercing  beams  of  radiant  light." 

Hujir  shrunk  back  with  undissembled  dread, 
And  thus  communing  with  himself,  he  said — 
"  Shall  I,  regardless  of  my  country,  guide 
To  Rustem's  tent  this  furious  homicide? 

•This  passage  will  remind  the  clas-  open,  displays  its  figures;  but  when  it 

sical  reader  of  the   speech   of  Themis-  is  folded  up,  they  are  hidden  and  lost     ; 

tocles,  in  Plutarch,  addressed  to  Xerxes.  therefore  he   begged  time.     The   King, 

The   Persian  King  had  assured  him  of  delighted    with    the    comparison,    bade 

his  protection,  and  ordered  him  to  de-  him  take  what  time  he  pleased;  and  he 

clare  freely  whatever  he  had  to  propose  desired    a    year;    in    which    space    he 

concerning    Greece.      Themistocles    re-  learned  the  Persian  language,   so  as  to 

plied,  "  That  a  man's  discourse  was  like  be  able  to  converse  with  the  King  witn- 

a  piece  of  tapestry  which,  when  spread  out  an  interpreter. 


141  F1RDUSI 

And  witness  there  destruction  to  our  host? 
The  bulwark  of  the  land  for  ever  lost! 
What  Chief  can  then  the  Tartar  power  restrain! 
Kaiis  dethroned,  the  mighty  Rustem  slain! 
Better  a  thousand  deaths  should  lay  me  low, 
Than,  living,  yield  such  triumph  to  the  foe. 
For  in  this  struggle  should  my  blood  be  shed, 
No  foul  dishonour  can  pursue  me,  dead; 
No  lasting  shame  my  father's  age  oppress, 
Whom  eighty  sons  of  martial  courage  bless!  * 
They  for  their  brother  slain,  incensed  will  rise, 
And  pour  their  vengeance  on  my  enemies." 
Then  thus  aloud — "  Can  idle  words  avail? 
Why  still  of  Rustem  urge  the  frequent  tale? 
Why  for  the  elephant-bodied  hero  ask? 
Thee,  he  will  find — no  uncongenial  task. 
Why  seek  pretences  to  destroy  my  life? 
Strike,  for  no  Rustem  views  th  unequal  strife!  " 

Sohrab  confused,  with  hopeless  anguish  mourned, 
Back  from  the  lofty  walls  he  quick  returned, 
And  stood  amazed. 

Now  war  and  vengeance  claim, 
Collected  thought  and  deeds  of  mighty  name; 
The  jointed  mail  his  vigorous  body  clasps, 
His  sinewy  hand  the  shining  javelin  grasps; 
Like  a  mad  elephant  he  meets  the  foe, 
His  steed  a  moving  mountain — deeply  glow 
His  cheeks  with  passionate  ardour,  as  he  flies 
'  Resistless  onwards,  and  with  sparkling  eyes, 
Full  on  the  centre  drives  his  daring  horse — t 
The  yielding  Persians  fly  his  furious  course; 
As  the  wild  ass  impetuous  springs  away, 
When  the  fierce  lion  thunders  on  his  prey. 
By  every  sign  of  strength  and  martial  power, 
They  think  him  Rustem  in  his  direst  hour; 
On  Kaiis  now  his  proud  defiance  falls, 
Scornful  to  him  the  stripling  warrior  calls: 
"  And  why  art  thou  misnamed  of  royal  strain? 
What  work  of  thine  befits  the  tented  plain? 
This  thirsty  javelin  seeks  thy  coward  breast; 
Thou  and  thy  thousands  doomed  to  endless  rest. 
True  to  my  oath,  which  time  can  never  change, 
On  thee,  proud  King!    I  hurl  my  just  revenge. 
The  blood  of  Zind  inspires  my  burning  hate, 
And  dire  resentment  hurries  on  thy  fate; 

*  Hujir  was   the   son   of  Gudarz.     A  sians  make  no  account  of  females,  it  is 

family  of  the  extent  mentioned  in  the  not  known  how  many  daughters  he  had. 

text  is  not  of  rare  occurrence  amongst  t  The  Kulub-gah  is  the  centre  or  heart 

the  Princes  of  the  East.     The  King  of  of   the  army,   where  the   Sovereign   or 

Persia  had,   in    1809,   according  to    Mr.  Chief  of  the  troops  usually  remains. 
Stforier,  "sixty-five  sons!"    As  the  Per- 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  143 

Whom  canst  thou  send  to  try  the  desperate  strife? 
What  valiant  Chief,  regardless  of  his  life? 
Where  now  can  Friburz,  Tus,  Giw,  Giidarz,  be, 
And  the  world-conquering  Rustem,  where  is  he?" 

No  prompt  reply  from  Persian  lip  ensued — 
Then  rushing  on,  with  demon-strength  endued, 
Sohrab  elate  his  javelin  waved  around, 
And  hurled  the  bright  pavilion  to  the  ground; 
With  horror  Kaus  feels  destruction  nigh, 
And  cries:   "  For  Rustem's  needful  succour  fly! 

This  frantic  Turk,  triumphant  on  the  plain, 

Withers  the  souls  of  all  my  warrior  train." 
That  instant  Tus  the  mighty  Champion  sought, 
And  told  the  deeds  the  Tartar  Chief  had  wrought 
"  'Tis  ever  thus,  the  brainless  Monarch's  due! 
Shame  and  disaster  still  his  steps  pursue!  " 
This  saying,  from  his  tent  he  soon  descried, 
The  wild  confusion  spreading  far  and  wide; 
And  saddled  Rakush — whilst,  in  deep  dismay, 
Girgin  incessant  cried — "  Speed,  speed,  away." 
Reham  bound  on  the  mace,  Tus  promptly  ran, 
And  buckled  on  the  broad  Burgustuwan. 
Rustem,  meanwhile,  the  thickening  tumult  hears 
And  in  his  heart,  untouched  by  human  fears, 
Says:  "  What  is  this,  that  feeling  seems  to  stun! 
This  battle  must  be  led  by  Ahirmun,* 
The  awful  day  of  doom  must  have  begun." 
In  haste  he  arms,  and  mounts  his  bounding  steed, 
The  growing  rage  demands  redoubled  speed; 
The  leopard's  skin  he  o'er  his  shoulders  throws, 
The  regal  girdle  round  his  middle  glows.t 
High  wave  his  glorious  banners;   broad  revealed, 
The  pictured  dragons  glare  along  the  field 
Borne  by  Zuara.     When,  surprised,  he  views 
Sohrab,  endued  with  ample  breast  and  thews, 
Like  Sam  Suwar,  he  beckons  him  apart; 
The  youth  advances  with  a  gallant  heart, 
Willing  to  prove  his  adversary's  might, 
By  single  combat  to  decide  the  fight; 
And  eagerly,  "  Together  brought,"  he  cries, 
"  Remote  from  us  be  foemen,  and  allies, 
And  though  at  once  by  either  host  surveyed, 
Ours  be  the  strife  which  asks  no  mortal  aid." 

Rustem,  considerate,  view'd  him  o'er  and  o'er, 
So  wondrous  graceful  was  the  form  he  bore, 
And  frankly  said:  "  Experience  flows  with  age, 

*  Ahirmun,  a  demon,  the  principle  of  Jonathan  gives  to  David,  among  other 

evil.  things,  his  girdle:  "  Because  he  loved 

t  This  girdle  was  the  gift  of  the  king,  him  as  his  own  soul."— i  Samuel,  xviii. 

as  a  token  of  affection  and  gratitude.  3,  4. 


144  FIRDUSI 

And  many  a  foe  has  felt  my  conquering  rage; 
Much  have  I  seen,  superior  strength  and  art 
Have  borne  my  spear  thro'  many  a  demon's  heart; 
Only  behold  me  on  the  battle  plain, 
Wait  till  thou  see'st  this  hand  the  war  sustain, 
And  if  on  thee  should  changeful  fortune  smile, 
Thou  needst  not  fear  the  monster  of  the  Nile!  * 
But  soft  compassion  melts  my  soul  to  save, 
,  A  youth  so  blooming  with  a  mind  so  brave!  " 

The  generous  speech  Sohrab  attentive  heard, 
His  heart  expanding  glowed  at  every  word: 
"  One  question  answer,  and  in  answering  show, 
That  truth  should  ever  from  a  warrior  flow; 
Art  thou  not  Rustem,  whose  exploits  sublime, 
Endear  his  name  thro'  every  distant  clime?" 

"  I  boast  no  station  of  exalted  birth, 
No  proud  pretensions  to  distinguished  worth; 
To  him  inferior,  no  such  powers  are  mine, 
No  offspring  I  of  Nirum's  glorious  line !  "  t 

The  prompt  denial  dampt  his  filial  joy, 
All  hope  at  once  forsook  the  Warrior-boy, 
His  opening  day  of  pleasure,  and  the  bloom 
Of  cherished  life,  immersed  in  shadowy  gloom. 
Perplexed  with  what  his  mother's  words  implied; — 
A  narrow  space  is  now  prepared,  aside, 
For  single  combat.    With  disdainful  glance 
Each  boldly  shakes  his  death-devoting  lance, 
And  rushes  forward  to  the  dubious  fight; 
Thoughts  high  and  brave  their  burning  souls  excite; 
Now  sword  to  sword;  continuous  strokes  resound, 
Till  glittering  fragments  strew  the  dusty  ground. 
Each  grasps  his  massive  club  with  added  force,t 
The  folding  mail  is  rent  from  either  horse; 
It  seemed  as  if  the  fearful  day  of  doom 
Had,  clothed  in  all  its  withering  terrors,  come. 
Their  shattered  corslets  yield  defence  no  more — 
At  length  they  breathe,  defiled  with  dust  and  gore; 
Their  gasping  throats  with  parching  thirst  are  dry, 
Gloomy  and  fierce  they  roll  the  lowering  eye, 
And  frown  defiance.     Son  and  Father  driven 
To  mortal  strife!  are  these  the  ways  of  Heaven? 

(The  various  swarms  which  boundless  ocean  breeds, 
The  countless  tribes  which  crop  the  flowery  meads, 
All  know  their  kind,  but  hapless  man  alone 
Has  no  instinctive  feeling  for  his  own! 

*  A  crocodile  in  war,  with  Firdusi,  is  are  as  much  distinguished  _  for  their 

a  figure  of  great  power  and  strength.  address  and  cunning,  as  their  bravery. 

t  It  is  difficult  to  account  for  this  de-  t  The  original  is  Umud,  which  appears 

nial  of  his  name,  as  there  appears  to  be  to  have  been  a  weapon  made  of  iron, 

no  equivalent  cause.  But  all  the  famous  Umud  also  signifies  a  column,  a  beam, 
heroes,  described  in  the  Shah  Nameh, 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  145 


Compell'd  to  pause,  by  every  eye  surveyed, 
Rustem,  with  shame,  his  wearied  strength  betrayed; 
Foil'd  by  a  youth  in  battle's  mid  career, 
His  groaning  spirit  almost  sunk  with  fear; 
Recovering  strength,  again  they  fiercely  meet; 
Again  they  struggle  with  redoubled  heat; 
With  bended  bows  they  furious  now  contend; 
And  feather'd  shafts  in  rattling  showers  descend; 
Thick  as  autumnal  leaves  they  strew  the  plain, 
Harmless  their  points,  and  all  their  fury  vain. 
And  now  they  seize  each  other's  girdle-band; 
Rustem,  who,  if  he  moved  his  iron  hand, 
Could  shake  a  mountain,  and  to  whom  a  rock 
Seemed  soft  as  wax,  tried,  with  one  mighty  stroke, 
To  hurl  him  thundering  from  his  fiery  steed, 
But  Fate  forbids  the  gallant  youth  should  bleed; 
Finding  his  wonted  nerves  relaxed,  amazed 
That  hand  he  drops  which  never  had  been  raised 
Uncrowned  with  victory,  even  when  demons  fought, 
And  pauses,  wildered  with  despairing  thought. 
Sohrab  again  springs  with  terrific  grace, 
And  lifts,  from  saddle-bow,  his  ponderous  mace; 
With  gather'd  strength  the  quick-descending  blow 
Wounds  in  its  fall,  and  stuns  the  unwary  foe; 
Then  thus  contemptuous:  "  All  thy  power  is  gone; 
Thy  charger's  strength  exhausted  as  thy  own; 
Thy  bleeding  wounds  with  pity  I  behold; 
O  seek  no  more  the  combat  of  the  bold!  " 

Rustem  to  this  reproach  made  no  reply, 
But  stood  confused — meanwhile,  tumultuously 
The  legions  closed;   with  soul-appalling  force, 
Troop  rushed  on  troop,  o'erwhelming  man  and  horse; 
Sohrab,  incensed,  the  Persian  host  engaged, 
Furious  along  the  scattered  lines  he  raged; 
Fierce  as  a  wolf  he  rode  on  every  side, 
The  thirsty  earth  with  streaming  gore  was  dyed. 
Midst  the  Turanians,  then,  the  Champion  sped, 
And  like  a  tiger  heaped  the  fields  with  dead. 
But  when  the  Monarch's  danger  struck  his  thought, 
Returning  swift,  the  stripling  youth  he  sought; 
Grieved  to  the  soul,  the  mighty  Champion  view'd 
His  hands  and  mail  with  Persian  blood  imbrued; 
And  thus  exclaimed  with  lion-voice — "  O  say, 
Why  with  the  Persians  dost  thou  war  to-day? 
Why  not  with  me  alone  decide  the  fight, 
Thou'rt  like  a  wolf  that  seek'st  the  fold  by  night." 

To  this  Sohrab  his  proud  assent  expressed — 
And  Rustem,  answering,  thus  the  youth  addressed. 
"  Night-shadows  now  are  thickening  o'er  the  plain, 
The  morrow's  sun  must  see  our  strife  again; 
VOL.  I. — 10 


146  FIRDUSI 

In  wrestling  let  us  then  exert  our  might!  " 
He  said,  and  eve's  last  glimmer  sunk  in  night. 

Thus  as  the  skies  a  deeper  gloom  displayed, 
The  stripling's  life  was  hastening  into  shade! 

The  gallant  heroes  to  their  tents  retired, 
The  sweets  of  rest  their  wearied  limbs  required: 
Sohrab,  delighted  with  his  brave  career, 
Describes  the  fight  in  Human's  anxious  ear: 
Tells  how  he  forced  unnumbered  Chiefs  to  yield, 
And  stood  himself  the  victor  of  the  field! 
"  But  let  the  morrow's  dawn,"  he  cried,  "  arrive, 
And  not  one  Persian  shall  the  day  survive; 
Meanwhile  let  wine  its  strengthening  balm  impart, 
And  add  new  zeal  to  every  drooping  heart." 
The  valiant  Giw  with  Rustem  pondering  stood, 
And,  sad,  recalled  the  scene  of  death  and  blood; 
Grief  and  amazement  heaved  the  frequent  sigh, 
And  almost  froze  the  crimson  current  dry. 
Rustem,  oppressed  by  Giw's  desponding  thought, 
Amidst  his  Chiefs  the  mournful  Monarch  sought; 
To  him  he  told  Sohrab's  tremendous  sway, 
The  dire  misfortunes  of  this  luckless  day; 
Told  with  what  grasping  force  he  tried,  in  vain, 
To  hurl  the  wondrous  stripling  to  the  plain: 
"  The  whispering  zephyr  might  as  well  aspire 
To  shake  a  mountain — such  his  strength  and  fire. 
But  night  came  on — and,  by  agreement,  we 
Must  meet  again  to-morrow — who  shall  be 
Victorious,  Heaven  knows  only: — for  by  Heaven, 
Victory  or  death  to  man  is  ever  given." 
This  said,  the  King,  o'erwhelmed  in  deep  despair, 
Passed  the  dread  night  in  agony  and  prayer. 

The  Champion,  silent,  joined  his  bands  at  rest, 
And  spurned  at  length  despondence  from  his  breast; 
Removed  from  all,  he  cheered  Zuara's  heart, 
And  nerved  his  soul  to  bear  a  trying  part:— 
"  Ere  early  morning  gilds  the  ethereal  plain,  ' 
In  martial  order  range  my  warrior-train; 
And  when  I  meet  in  all  his  glorious  pride, 
This  valiant  Turk  whom  late  my  rage  defied, 
Should  fortune's  smiles  my  arduous  task  requite, 
Bring  them  to  share  the  triumph  of  my  might; 
But  should  success  the  stripling's  arm  attend, 
And  dire  defeat  and  death  my  glories  end, 
To  their  loved  homes  my  brave  associates  guide; 
Let  bowery  Zabul  all  their  sorrows  hide — 
Comfort  my  venerable  father's  heart; 
In  gentlest  words  my  heavy  fate  impart. 
The  dreadful  tidings  to  my  mother  bear, 
And  soothe  her  anguish  with  the  tenderest  care; 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  147 


Say,  that  the  will  of  righteous  Heaven  decreed, 
That  thus  in  arms  her  mighty  son  should  bleed. 
Enough  of  fame  my  various  toils  acquired, 
When  warring  demons,  bathed  in  blood,  expired. 
Were  life  prolonged  a  thousand  lingering  years, 
Death  comes  at  last  and  ends  our  mortal  fears; 
Kirshasp,  and  Sam,  and  Nariman,  the  best 
And  bravest  heroes,  who  have  ever  blest 
This  fleeting  world,  were  not  endued  with  power, 
To  stay  the  march  of  fate  one  single  hour; 
The  world  for  them  possessed  no  fixed  abode, 
The  path  to  death's  cold  regions  must  be  trod; 
Then,  why  lament  the  doom  ordained  for  all? 
,Thus  Jemshid  fell,  and  thus  must  Rustem  fall." 

When  the  bright  dawn  proclaimed  the  rising  day, 
The  warriors  armed,  impatient  of  delay; 
But  first  Sohrab,  his  proud  confederate  nigh, 
Thus  wistful  spoke,  as  swelled  the  boding  sigh — 
"  Now,  mark  my  great  antagonist  in  arms! 
His  noble  form  my  filial  bosom  warms; 
My  mother's  tokens  shine  conspicuous  here, 
And  all  the  proofs  my  heart  demands,  appear; 
Sure  this  is  Rustem,  whom  my  eyes  engage! 
Shall  I,  O  grief!  provoke  my  Father's  rage? 
Offended  Nature  then  would  curse  my  name, 
And  shuddering  nations  echo  with  my  shame." 
He  ceased,  then  Human:   "  Vain,  fantastic  thought, 
Oft  have  I  been  where  Persia's  Champion  fought; 
And  thou  hast  heard,  what  wonders  he  performed, 
When,  in  his  prime,  Mazinderan  was  stormed; 
That  horse  resembles  Rustem's,  it  is  true, 
But  not  so  strong,  nor  beautiful  to  view." 

Sohrab  now  buckles  on  his  war  attire, 
His  heart  all  softness,  and  his  brain  all  fire; 
Around  his  lips  such  smiles  benignant  played, 
He  seemed  to  greet  a  friend,  as  thus  he  said: — 
"  Here  let  us  sit  together  on  the  plain, 
Here,  social  sit,  and  from  the  fight  refrain; 
Ask  we  from  heaven  forgiveness  of  the  past, 
And  bind  our  souls  in  friendship  that  may  last; 
Ours  be  the  feast — let  us  be  warm  and  free, 
For  powerful  instinct  draws  me  still  to  thee; 
Fain  would  my  heart  in  bland  affection  join, 
Then  let  thy  generous  ardour  equal  mine; 
And  kindly  say,  with  whom  I  now  contend — 
What  name  distinguished  boasts  my  warrior-friend! 
Thy  name  unfit  for  champion  brave  to  hide, 
Thy  name  so  long,  long  sought,  and  still  denied; 
Say,  art  thou  Rustem,  whom  I  burn  to  know? 
Ingenuous  say,  and  cease  to  be  my  foe! " 


148  FIRDUSI 

Sternly  the  mighty  Champion  cried,  "  Away — 
Hence  with  thy  wiles — now  practised  to  delay; 
The  promised  struggle,  resolute,  I  claim, 
Then  cease  to  move  me  to  an  act  of  shame." 
Sohrab  rejoined — "  Old  man!   thou  wilt  not  hear 
The  words  of  prudence  uttered  in  thine  ear; 
Then,  Heaven!   look  on." 

Preparing  for  the  shock, 

Each  binds  his  charger  to  a  neighbouring  rock; 
And  girds  his  loins,  and  rubs  his  wrists,  and  tries 
Their  suppleness  and  force,  with  angry  eyes; 
And  now  they  meet — now  rise,  and  now  descend, 
And  strong  and  fierce  their  sinewy  arms  extend; 
Wrestling  with  all  their  strength  they  grasp  and  strain, 
And  blood  and  sweat  flow  copious  on  the  plain; 
Like  raging  elephants  they  furious  close; 
Commutual  wounds  are  given,  and  wrenching  blows. 
Sohrab  now  clasps  his  hands,  and  forward  springs 
Impatiently,  and  round  the  Champion  clings; 
Seizes  his  girdle  belt,  with  power  to  tear 
The  very  earth  asunder;  in  despair 
Rustem,  defeated,  feels  his  nerves  give  way, 
And  thundering  falls.     Sohrab  bestrides  his  prey: 
Grim  as  the  lion,  prowling  through  the  wood, 
Upon  a  wild  ass  springs,  and  pants  for  blood. 
His  lifted  sword  had  lopt  the  gory  head, 
But  Rustem,  quick,  with  crafty  ardour  said: — 
"  One  moment,  hold!    what,  are  our  laws  unknown? 
A  Chief  may  fight  till  he  is  twice  o'erthrown; 
The  second  fall,  his  recreant  blood  is  spilt, 
These  are  our  laws,  avoid  the  menaced  guilt." 

Proud  of  his  strength,  and  easily  deceived, 
The  wondering  youth  the  artful  tale  believed; 
Released  his  prey,  and,  wild  as  wind  or  wave, 
Neglecting  all  the  prudence  of  the  brave, 
Turned  from  the  place,  nor  once  the  strife  renewed, 
But  bounded  o'er  the  plain  and  other  cares  pursued, 
As  if  all  memory  of  the  war  had  died, 
All  thoughts  of  him  with  whom  his  strength  was  tried. 

Human,  confounded  at  the  stripling's  stay, 
Went  forth,  and  heard  the  fortune  of  the  day; 
Amazed  to  find  the  mighty  Rustem  freed, 
With  deepest  grief  he  wailed  the  luckless  deed. 
"  What!   loose  a  raging  lion  from  the  snare, 
And  let  him  growling  hasten  to  his  lair? 
Bethink  thee  well;   in  war,  from  this  unwise, 
This  thoughtless  act  what  countless  woes  may  rise; 
Never  again  suspend  the  final  blow, 


THE   SHAH   NAMEH  149 

Nor  trust  the  seeming  weakness  of  a  foe!  "  * 

"  Hence  with  complaint,"  the  dauntless  youth  replied, 

To-morrow's  contest  shall  his  fate  decide." 

When  Rustem  was  released,  in  altered  mood 
He  sought  the  coolness  of  the  murmuring  flood; 
There  quenched  his  thirst;  and  bathed  his  limbs,  and  prayed, 
Beseeching  Heaven  to  yield  its  strengthening  aid. 
His  pious  prayer  indulgent  Heaven  approved, 
And  growing  strength  through  all  his  sinews  moved;  t 
Such  as  erewhile  his  towering  structure  knew, 
When  his  bold  arm  unconquered  demons  slew. 
Yet  in  his  mien  no  confidence  appeared, 
No  ardent  hope  his  wounded  spirits  cheered. 

Again  they  met.    A  glow  of  youthful  grace, 
Diffused  its  radiance  o'er  the  stripling's  face, 
And  when  he  saw  in  renovated  guise, 
The  foe  so  lately  mastered;   with  surprise, 
He  cried — "  What!  rescued  from  my  power,  again 
Dost  thou  confront  me  on  the  battle  plain? 
Or,  dost  thou,  wearied,  draw  thy  vital  breath, 
And  seek,  from  warrior  bold,  the  shaft  of  death? 
Truth  has  no  charms  for  thee,  old  man;  even  now, 
.  Some  further  cheat  may  lurk  upon  thy  brow; 
Twice  have  I  shown  thee  mercy,  twice  thy  age 
Hath  been  thy  safety — twice  it  soothed  my  rage." 
Then  mild  the  Champion:   "  Youth  is  proud  and  vain! 
The  idle  boast  a  warrior  would  disdain; 
This  aged  arm  perhaps  may  yet  control, 
The  wanton  fury  that  inflames  thy  soul !  " 

Again,  dismounting,  each  the  other  viewed 
With  sullen  glance,  and  swift  the  fight  renewed; 
Clenched  front  to  front,  again  they  tug  and  bend, 
Twist  their  broad  limbs  as  every  nerve  would  rend; 
,With  rage  convulsive  Rustem  grasps  him  round; 
Bends  his  strong  back,  and  hurls  him  to  the  ground; 
"Him,  who  had  deemed  the  triumph  all  his  own; 
But  dubious  of  his  power  to  keep  him  down, 
Like  lightning  quick  he  gives  the  deadly  thrust, 
And  spurns  the  Stripling  weltering  in  the  dust. 
— Thus  as  his  blood  that  shining  steel  imbrues, 
Thine  too  shall  flow,  when  Destiny  pursues ;  t 

*  Thus  also  Sa'di  "  Knowest  thou  J  The  expression  in  the  original  is  re- 

what  Zal  said  to  Rustem  the  Cham-  markable.  "  Assuredly,  as  thou  hast 

pion?  Never  calculate  upon  the  weak-  thirsted  for  blood,  Destiny  will  also 

ness  or  insignificance  of  an  enemy."  '  thirst  for  thine,  and  the  very  hairs  upon 

t  Rustem  is  as  much  distinguished  for  -  thy  body  will  become  daggers  to  de- 
piety  as  bravery.  Every  success  is  at-  stroy  thee."  This  passage  is  quoted  in 
tributed  by  him  to  the  favor  of  Heaven.  .  the  preface  to  the  Shah  Nameh,  col- 
In  the  achievement  of  his  labors  in  the  -  lated  by  order  of  Bayisunghur  Khan, 
Heft-Khan,  his  devotion  is  constant  as  the  production  of  the  poet  Unsari. 
and  he  everywhere  justly  acknowledges  Unsari  was  one  of  the  seven  poets  whom 
that  power  and  victory  are  derived  from  •Mahmud  appointed  to  gjve  specimens  of 
God  alone.  their  powers  in.  versifying  the  History 


150  FIRDUSI 

For  when  she  marks  the  victim  of  her  power, 

A  thousand  daggers  speed  the  dying  hour. 

Writhing  with  pain  Sohrab  in  murmurs  sighed — 

And  thus  to  Rustem — "  Vaunt  not,  in  thy  pride; 

Upon  myself  this  sorrow  have  I  brought, 

Thou  but  the  instrument  of  fate — which  wrought 

My  downfall;   thou  anf"guiltless — guiltless  quite; 

O !  had  I  seen  my  father  in  the  fight, 

My  glorious  father!     Life  will  soon  be  o'er, 

And  his  great  deeds  enchant  my  soul  no  more! 

Of  him  my  mother  gave  the  mark  and  sign, 

For  him  I  sought,  and  what  an  end  is  mine! 

My  only  wish  on  earth,  my  constant  sigh, 

Him  to  behold,  and  with  that  wish  I  die. 

But  hope  not  to  elude  his  piercing  sight, 

In  vain  for  thee  the  deepest  glooms  of  night; 

Couldst  thou  through  Ocean's  depths  for  refuge  fly, 

Or  midst  the  star-beams  track  the  upper  sky! 

Rustem,  with  vengeance  armed,  will  reach  thee  there, 

His  soul  the  prey  of  anguish  and  despair." 

An  icy  horror  chills  the  Champion's  heart, 
His  brain  whirls  round  with  agonizing  smart; 
O'er  his  wan  cheek  no  gushing  sorrows  flow, 
Senseless  he  sinks  beneath  the  weight  of  woe; 
Relieved  at  length,  with  frenzied  look,  he  cries: 
"  Prove  thou  art  mine,  confirm  my  doubting  eyes! 
For  I  am  Rustem !  "     Piercing  was  the  groan, 
Which  burst  from  his  torn  heart — as  wild  and  lone, 
He  gazed  upon  him.     Dire  amazement  shook 
The  dying  youth,  and  mournful  thus  he  spoke: 
"  If  thou  art  Rustem,  cruel  is  thy  part, 
No  warmth  paternal  seems  to  fill  thy  heart; 

{Else  hadst  thou  known  me  when,  with  strong  desire, 
I  fondly  claimed  thee  for  my  valiant  sire; 
Now  from  my  body  strip  the  shining  mail, 
Untie  these  bands,  ere  life  and  feeling  fail/ 
And  on  my  arm  the  direful  proof  behold! 
Thy  sacred  bracelet  of  refulgent  gold! 
When  the  loud  brazen  drums  were  heard  afar, 
And,  echoing  round,  proclaimed  the  pending  war, 
Whilst  parting  tears  my  mother's  eyes  o'erflowed, 
This  mystic  gift  her  bursting  heart  bestowed: 
'  Take  this,'  she  said,  '  thy  father's  token  wear, 
And  promised  glory  will  reward  thy  care.' 
The  hour  is  come,  but  fraught  with  bitterest  woe, 

of  the  Kings  of  Persia.     The  story  of  before  Firdusi  was  introduced  at  Court 

Rustem  and  Sohrab  fell  to  Unsari,  and  and  eclipsed"  every  competitor.  In  com- 

his    arrangement    of    it    contained    the  pliment  to  Mahmud,  perhaps  he  ingraft- 

nbove   verses,    which    so    delighted    the  ed  them  on  his  own  poem,  or  more  prob- 

Sultan  that  he  directed  the  poet  to  un-  ably  they  have  been  interpolated  since, 
dertake  the  whole  work.    This  occurred 


THE  SHAH  NAMEH  151 

We  meet  in  blood  to  wail  the  fatal  blow." 
The  loosened  mail  unfolds  the  bracelet  bright, 

Unhappy  gift!   to  Rustem's  wildered  sight; 

Prostrate  he  falls — "  By  my  unnatural  hand, 

My  son,  my  son  is  slain — and  from  the  land 

Uprooted." — Frantic,  in  the  dust  his  hair 

He  rends  in  agony  and  deep  despair; 

The  western  sun  had  disappeared  in  gloom, 

And  still,  the  Champion  wept  his  cruel  doom; 

His  wondering  legions  marked  the  long  delay, 

And,  seeing  Rakush  riderless  astray, 

The  rumour  quick  to  Persia's  Monarch  spread, 

And  there  described  the  mighty  Rustem  dead. 

Kaus,  alarmed,  the  fatal  tidings  hears; 

His  bosom  quivers  with  increasing  fears. 

"  Speed,  speed,  and  see  what  has  befallen  to-day 

To  cause  these  groans  and  tears — what  fatal  fray! 

If  he  be  lost,  if  breathless  on  the  ground, 

And  this  young  warrior,  with  the  conquest  crowned — 

Then  must  I,  humbled,  from  my  kingdom  torn, 

Wander  like  Jemshid,  through  the  world  forlorn."* 
The  army  roused,  rushed  o'er  the  dusty  plain, 

Urged  by  the  Monarch  to  revenge  the  slain; 

Wild  consternation  saddened  every  face, 

Tus  winged  with  horror  sought  the  fatal  place, 

And  there  beheld  the  agonizing  sight — 

The  murderous  end  of  that  unnatural  fight. 

Sohrab,  still  breathing,  hears  the  shrill  alarms, 

His  gentle  speech  suspends  the  clang  of  arms: 

r"  My  light  of  life  now  fluttering  sinks  in  shade, 
Let  vengeance  sleep,  and  peaceful  vows  be  made. 
Beseech  the  King  to  spare  this  Tartar  host, 
For  they  are  guiltless,  all  to  them  is  lost; 
I  led  them  on,  their  souls  with  glory  fired, 
While  mad  ambition  all  my  thoughts  inspired. 
In  search  of  thee,  the  world  before  my  eyes, 
War  was  my  choice,  and  thou  the  sacred  prize; 
With  thee,  my  sire!   in  virtuous  league  combined, 
No  tyrant  King  should  persecute  mankind. 
That  hope  is  past — the  storm  has  ceased  to  rave — 
My  ripening  honours  wither  in  the  grave; 
Then  let  no  vengeance  on  my  comrades  fall, 
Mine  was  the  guilt,  and  mine  the  sorrow,  all; 
'How  often  have  I  sought  thee — oft  my  mind 
Figured  thee  to  my  sight — o'erjoyed  to  find 
My  mother's  token;   disappointment  came, 
When  thou  denied  thy  lineage  and  thy  name; 
Oh!  still  o'er  thee  my  soul  impassioned  hung, 

*  Jemshid's  glory  and  misfortunes,  as  said   before,   are  the  constant  theme  of 
admiration  and  reflection  amongst  the  poets  of  Persia. 


15* 


FIRDUSI 

Still  to  my  father  fond  affection  clung! 
But  fate,  remorseless,  all  my  hopes  withstood, 
And  stained  thy  reeking  hands  in  kindred  blood." 
His  faltering  breath  protracted  speech  denied: 
Still  from  his  eye-lids  flowed  a  gushing  tide; 
Through  Rustem's  soul  redoubled  horror  ran, 
Heart-rending  thoughts  subdued  the  mighty  man, 
And  now,  at  last,  with  joy-illumined  eye, 
The  Zabul  bands  their  glorious  Chief  descry; 
But  when  they  saw  his  pale  and  haggard  look, 
Knew  from  what  mournful  cause  he  gazed  and  shook, 
With  downcast  mien  they  moaned  and  wept  aloud; 
While  Rustem  thus  addressed  the  weeping  crowd: 
"  Here  ends  the  war!   let  gentle  peace  succeed, 
Enough  of  death,  I — I  have  done  the  deed!  " 
Then  to  his  brother,  groaning  deep,  he  said — 
"  O  what  a  curse  upon  a  parent's  head! 
But  go — and  to  the  Tartar  say — no  more, 
Let  war  between  us  steep  the  earth  with  gore." 
Zuara  flew  and  wildly  spoke  his  grief, 
To  crafty  Human,  the  Turanian  Chief, 
Who,  with  dissembled  sorrow,  heard  him  tell 
The  dismal  tidings  which  he  knew  too  well; 
"  And  who,"  he  said,  "  has  caused  these  tears  to  flow? 
Who,  but  Hujir?    He  might  have  stayed  the  blow, 
But  when  Sohrab  his  Father's  banners  sought; 
He  still  denied  that  here  the  Champion  fought; 
He  spread  the  ruin,  he  the  secret  knew, 
Hence  should  his  crime  receive  the  vengeance  due!  " 
Zuara,  frantic,  breathed  in  Rustem's  ear, 
The  treachery  of  the  captive  Chief,  Hujir; 
Whose  headless  trunk  had  weltered  on  the  strand, 
But  prayers  and  force  withheld  the  lifted  hand. 
Then  to  his  dying  son  the  Champion  turned, 
Remorse  more  deep  within  his  bosom  burned; 
A  burst  of  frenzy  fired  his  throbbing  brain;  ' 
He  clenched  his  sword,  but  found  his  fury  vain; 
The  Persian  Chiefs  the  desperate  act  represt, 
And  tried  to  calm  the  tumult  in  his  breast: 
Thus  Gudarz  spoke — "Alas!    wert  thou  to  give 
Thyself  a  thousand  wounds,  and  cease  to  live; 
What  would  it  be  to  him  thou  sorrowest  o'er? 

|  It  would  not  save  one  pang — then  weep  no  more; 
For  if  removed  by  death,  O  say,  to  whom 
Has  ever  been  vouchsafed  a  different  doom? 

*  All  are  the  prey  of  death — the  crowned,  the  low, 
And  man,  through  life,  the  victim  still  of  woe." 
Then  Rustem:   "  Fly!   and  to  the  King  relate, 
The  pressing  horrors  which  involve  my  fate; 
And  if  the  memory  of  my  deeds  e'er  swayed 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  153 

His  mind,  O  supplicate  his  generous  aid; 

A  sovereign  balm  he  has  whose  wondrous  power, 

All  wounds  can  heal,  and  fleeting  life  restore;  * 

Swift  from  his  tent  the  potent  medicine  bring." 

— But  mark  the  malice  of  the  brainless  King! 

Hard  as  the  flinty  rock,  he  stern  denies 

The  healthful  draught,  and  gloomy  thus  replies: 

"  Can  I  forgive  his  foul  and  slanderous  tongue? 

The  sharp  disdain  on  me  contemptuous  flung? 

Scorned  'midst  my  army  by  a  shameless  boy, 

Who  sought  my  throne,  my  sceptre  to  destroy! 

Nothing  but  mischief  from  his  heart  can  flow, 

Is  it,  then,  wise  to  cherish  such  a  foe? 

The  fool  who  warms  his  enemy  to  life, 

Only  prepares  for  scenes  of  future  strife." 

Gudarz,  returning,  told  the  hopeless  tale — 
And  thinking  Rustem's  presence  might  prevail; 
The  Champion  rose,  but  ere  he  reached  the  throne, 
Sohrab  had  breathed  the  last  expiring  groan. 

Now  keener  anguish  rack'd  the  father's  mind, 
Reft  of  his  son,  a  murderer  of  his  kind; 
His  guilty  sword  distained  with  filial  gore, 
He  beat  his  burning  breast,  his  hair  he  tore; 
The  breathless  corse  before  his  shuddering  view, 
A  shower  of  ashes  o'er  his  head  he  threw; 
"  In  my  old  age,"  he  cried,  "  what  have  I  done? 
Why  have  I  slain  my  son,  my  innocent  son! 
^Why  o'er  his  splendid  dawning  did  I  roll 
The  clouds  of  death — and  plunge  my  burthened  soul 
In  agony?     My  son!   from  heroes  sprung; 
Better  these  hands  were  from  my  body  wrung; 
And  solitude  and  darkness,  deep  and  drear, 
Fold  me  from  sight  than  hated  linger  here. 
But  when  his  mother  hears,  with  horror  wild, 
That  I  have  shed  the  life-blood  of  her  child, 
So  nobly  brave,  so  dearly  loved,  in  vain, 
How  can  her  heart  that  rending  shock  sustain?  " 

Now  on  a  bier  the  Persian  warriors  place 
>  The  breathless  Youth,  and  shade  his  pallid  face; 
And  turning  from  that  fatal  field  away, 
Move  towards  the  Champion's  home  in  long  array. 
Then  Rustem,  sick  of  martial  pomp  and  show, 
Himself  the  spring  of  all  this  scene  of  woe, 
Doomed  to  the  flames  the  pageantry  he  loved, 
Shield,  spear,  and  mace,  so  oft  in  battle  proved; 
Now  lost  to  all,  encompassed  by  despair; 

*  These  medicated  draughts  are  often  cures  which  had  been  performed  upon 

mentioned    in    Romances.      The    reader  many  valorous  champions,  covered  with 

will  recollect  the  banter  upon  them   in  wounds._     The   Hindus,    in   their   books 

Don  Quixote,  where  the  Knight  of  La  on   medicine,   talk  of  drugs  for  the  re- 

Mancna     enumerates     to     Sancho     the  covery  of  the  dead! 


154  FIRDUSI 

His  bright  pavilion  crackling  blazed  in  air; 

The  sparkling  throne  the  ascending  column  fed; 

In  smoking  fragments  fell  the  golden  bed; 

The  raging  fire  red  glimmering  died  away, 

And  all  the  Warrior's  pride  in  dust  and  ashes  lay. 
Kaus,  the  King,  now  joins  the  mournful  Chief, 
»  And  tries  to  soothe  his  deep  and  settled  grief; 

For  soon  or  late  we  yield  our  vital  breath, 

And  all  our  worldly  troubles  end  in  death!  \ 

"  When  first  I  saw  him,  graceful  in  his  might, 

He  looked  far  other  than  a  Tartar  knight; 

Wondering  I  gazed — now  Destiny  has  thrown 

Him  on  thy  sword — he  fought,  and  he  is  gone; 

And  should  even  Heaven  against  the  earth  be  hurled, 

Or  fire  inwrap  in  crackling  flames  the  world, 
•That  which  is  past — we  never  can  restore, 

His  soul  has  travelled  to  some  happier  shore. 

Alas!  no  good  from  sorrow  canst  thou  reap, 

Then  wherefore  thus  in  gloom  and  misery  weep?" 
But  Rustem's  mighty  woes  disdained  his  aid, 

His  heart  was  drowned  in  grief,  and  thus  he  said: 
|   "  Yes,  he  is  gone!  to  me  for  ever  lost! 

O  then  protect  his  brave  unguided  host; 

From  war  removed  and  this  detested  place, 

Let  them,  unharmed,  their  mountain-wilds  retrace; 

Bid  them  secure  my  brother's  will  obey, 

The  careful  guardian  of  their  weary  way,* 

To  where  the  Jihun's  distant  waters  stray." 
t   To  this  the  King:   "  My  soul  is  sad  to  see 

Thy  hopeless  grief — but,  since  approved  by  thee, 

The  war  shall  cease — though  the  Turanian  brand 

Has  spread  dismay  and  terror  through  the  land." 
The  King,  appeased,  no  more  with  vengeance  burned, 

The  Tartar  legions  to  their  homes  returned; 

The  Persian  warriors,  gathering  round  the  dead, 

Grovelled  in  dust,  and  tears  of  sorrow  shed; 

Then  back  to  loved  Iran  their  steps  the  monarch  led. 
But  Rustem,  midst  his  native  bands,  remained, 

And  further  rites  of  sacrifice  maintained; 

[A  thousand  horses  bled  at  his  command, 

/And  the  torn  drums  were  scattered  o'er  the  sand; 

And  now  through  Zabul's  deep  and  bowery  groves, 

In  mournful  pomp  the  sad  procession  moves. 

The  mighty  Chief  on  foot  precedes  the  bier; 

His  Warrior-friends,  in  grief  assembled  near: 

The  dismal  cadence  rose  upon  the  gale, 

And  Zal  astonished  heard  the  piercing  wail; 

He  and  his  kindred  joined  the  solemn  train; 

*  Zuara     conducted     the     troops     of        remained  on  the  field  of  battle  till  his 
Afrasiyab   across     the   Jihun.       Rustem        return. 


THE   SH^H    NAMEH  155 


Hung  round  the  bier  and  wondering  viewed  the  slain. 
"  There  gaze,  and  weep! "  the  sorrowing  Father  said, 
"  For  there,  behold  my  glorious  offspring  dead!  " 
The  hoary  Sire  shrunk  backward  with  surprise, 
And  tears  of  blood  o'erflowed  his  aged  eyes; 
And  now  the  Champion's  rural  palace  gate 
Receives  the  funeral  group  in  gloomy  state; 
Riidabeh  loud  bemoaned  the  Stripling's  doom; 
Sweet  flower,  all  drooping  in  the  hour  of  bloom, 
His  tender  youth  in  distant  bowers  had  past, 
Sheltered  at  home  he  felt  no  withering  blast; 
.  In  the  soft  prison  of  his  mother's  arms, 
i  Secure  from  danger  and  the  world's  alarms. 
O  ruthless  Fortune!    flushed  with  generous  pride, 
He  sought  his  sire,  and  thus  unhappy,  died. 

Rustem  again  the  sacred  bier  unclosed; 
Again  Sohrab  to  public  view  exposed; 
Husbands,  and  wives,  and  warriors,  old  and  young, 
Struck  with  amaze,  around  the  body  hung, 
With  garments  rent  and  loosely  flowing  hair; 
Their  shrieks  and  clamours  filled  the  echoing  air; 
Frequent  they  cried:   "  Thus  Sam  the  Champion  slept! 
Thus  sleeps  Sohrab!  "    Again  they  groaned,  and  wept. 

Now  o'er  the  corpse  a  yellow  robe  is  spread, 
The  aloes  bier  is  closed  upon  the  dead; 
And,  to  preserve  the  hapless  hero's  name. 
Fragrant  and  fresh,  that  his  unblemished  fame 
Might  live  and  bloom  through  all  succeeding  days, 
A  mound  sepulchral  on  the  spot  they  raise, 
,  Formed  like  a  charger's  hoof. 

In  every  ear 

The  story  has  been  told — and  many  a  tear, 
Shed  at  the  sad  recital.    Through  Turan, 
Afrasiyab's  wide  realm,  and  Samengan, 
Deep  sunk  the  tidings — nuptial  bower,  and  bed, 
And  all  that  promised  happiness,  had  fled! 

But  when  Tahmineh  heard  this  tale  of  woe, 
Think  how  a  mother  bore  the  mortal  blow! 
)Distracted,  wild,  she  sprang  from  place  to  place; 
'With  frenzied  hands  deformed  her  beauteous  face; 
The  musky  locks  her  polished  temples  crowned. 
Furious  she  tore,  and  flung  upon  the  ground; 
Starting,  in  agony  of  grief,  she  gazed — 
Her  swimming  eyes  to  Heaven  imploring  raised; 
And  groaning  cried:   "  Sole  comfort  of  my  life! 
Doomed  the  sad  victim  of  unnatural  strife, 
Where  art  thou  now  with  dust  and  blood  defiled? 
Thou  darling  boy,  my  lost,  my  murdered  child! 
When  thou  wert  gone — how,  night  and  lingering  day. 
Did  thy  fond  mother  watch  the  time  away; 


156  FIRDUSI 

For  hope  still  pictured  all  I  wished  to  see, 
Thy  father  found,  and  thou  returned  to  me, 
Yes — thou,  exulting  in  thy  father's  fame! 
And  yet,  nor  sire  nor  son,  nor  tidings,  came: 
How  could  I  dream  of  this?  ye  met — but  how? 
That  noble  aspect — that  ingenuous  brow, 
Moved  not  a  nerve  in  him — ye  met — to  part, 
Alas!  the  life-blood  issuing  from  the  heart. 
Short  was  the  day  which  gave  to  me  delight, 
s  Soon,  soon,  succeeds  a  long  and  dismal  night; 
On  whom  shall  now  devolve  my  tender  care? 
Who,  loved  like  thee,  my  bosom-sorrows  share? 
Whom  shall  I  take  to  fill  thy  vacant  place, 
To  whom  extend  a  mother's  soft  embrace? 
Sad  fate !  for  one  so  young,  so  fair,  so  brave, 
Seeking  thy  father  thus  to  find  a  grave. 
These  arms  no  more  shall  fold  thee  to  my  breast, 
No  more  with  thee  my  soul  be  doubly  blest; 
No,  drowned  in  blood  thy  lifeless  body  lies, 
For  ever  torn  from  these  desiring  eyes  ; 
Friendless,  alone,  beneath  a  foreign  sky, 
Thy  mail  thy  death-clothes — and  thy  father,  by; 
Why  did  not  I  conduct  thee  on  the  way, 

*  And  point  where  Rustem's  bright  pavilion  lay? 
Thou  hadst  the  tokens — why  didst  thou  withhold 
Those  dear  remembrances — that  pledge  of  gold? 
Hadst  thou  the  bracelet  to  his  view  restored, 

•  Thy  precious  blood  had  never  stained  his  sword." 

The  strong  emotion  choked  her  panting  breath, 
\  Her  veins  seemed  withered  by  the  cold  of  death: 
The  trembling  matrons  hastening  round  her  mourned, 
With  piercing  cries,  till  fluttering  life  returned; 
Then  gazing  up,  distraught,  she  wept  again, 
And  frantic,  seeing  'midst  her  pitying  train, 
The  favourite  steed — now  more  than  ever  dear, 
The  hoofs  she  kissed,  and  bathed  with  many  a  tear; 
/Clasping  the  mail  Sohrab  in  battle  wore, 
'  With  burning  lips  she  kissed  it  o'er  and  o'er; 
His  martial  robes  she  in  her  arms  comprest, 
And  like  an  infant  strained  them  to  her  breast; 
The  reins,  and  trappings,  club,  and  spear,  were  brought, 
The  sword,  and  shield,  with  which  the  Stripling  fought, 
These  she  embraced  with  melancholy  joy, 
jln  sad  remembrance  of  her  darling  boy. 
And  still  she  beat  her  face,  and  o'er  them  hung, 
As  in  a  trance — or  to  them  wildly  clung — 
Day  after  day  she  thus  indulged  her  grief, 
Night  after  night,  disdaining  all  relief; 
,  At  length  worn  out — from  earthly  anguish  riven, 
1  The  mother's  spirit  joined  her  child  in  Heaven. 


THE   SHAH   NAMEH  157 


THE  STORY  OF  SAIAWUSH 

EARLY  one  morning  as  the  cock  crew,  Tus  arose,  and 
accompanied  by  Giw  and  Gudarz  and  a  company  of 
horsemen,  proceeded  on  a  hunting  excursion,  not  far 
from  the  banks  of  the  Jihun,  where,  after  ranging  about  the 
forest  for  some  time,  they  happened  to  fall  in  with  a  damsel 
of  extreme  beauty,  with  smiling  lips,  blooming  cheeks,  and  fas- 
cinating mien.    They  said  to  her  : 

« 

"  Never  was  seen  so  sweet  a  flower, 
In  garden,  vale,  or  fairy  bower; 
The  moon  is  on  thy  lovely  face, 
Thy  cypress-form  is  full  of  grace; 
But  why,  with  charms  so  soft  and  meek, 
Dost  thou  the  lonely  forest  seek?  " 

She  replied  that  her  father  was  a  violent  man,  and  that  she 
had  left  her  home  to  escape  his  anger.  She  had  crossed  the 
river  Jihun,  and  .had  travelled  several  leagues  on  foot,  in  con- 
sequence of  her  horse  being  too  much  fatigued  to  bear  her 
farther.  She  had  at  that  time  been  three  days  in  the  forest. 
On  being  questioned  respecting  her  parentage,  she  said  her 
father's  name  was  Shiwer,  of  the  race  of  Feridun.  Many  sov- 
ereigns had  been  suitors  for  her  hand,  but  she  did  not  approve 
of  one  of  them.  At  last  he  wanted  to  marry  her  to  Poshang, 
the  ruler  of  Turan,  but  she  refused  him  on  account  of  his  ugli- 
ness and  bad  temper!  This  she  said  was  the  cause  of  her 
father's  violence,  and  of  her  flight  from  home. 

"  But  when  his  angry  mood  is  o'er, 
He'll  love  his  daughter  as  before; 
And  send  his  horsemen  far  and  near, 
To  take  me  to  my  mother  dear; 
Therefore,  I  would  not  further  stray, 
But  here,  without  a  murmur,  stay." 

The  hearts  of  both  Tus  and  Giw  were  equally  inflamed  with 
love  for  the  damsel,  and  each  was  equally  determined  to  sup- 
port his  own  pretensions,  in  consequence  of  which  a  quarrel 
arose  between  them.  At  length  it  was  agreed  to  refer  the  mat- 
ter to  the  king,  and  to  abide  by  his  decision.  When,  however, 


158  FIRDUSI 

the  king  beheld  the  lovely  object  of  contention,  he  was  not 
disposed  to  give  her  to  either  claimant,  but  without  hesitation 
took  her  to  himself,  after  having  first  ascertained  that  she  was 
of  distinguished  family  and  connection.  In  due  time  a  son 
was  born  to  him,  who  was,  according  to  the  calculations  of  the 
astrologers,  of  wonderful  promise,  and  named  Saiawush.  The 
prophecies  about  his  surprising  virtues,  and  his  future  renown, 
made  Kaus  anxious  that  justice  should  be  done  to  his  opening 
talents,  and  he  was  highly  gratified  when  Rustem  agreed  to 
take  him  to  Zabulistan,  and  there  instruct  him  in  all  the  accom- 
plishments which  were  suitable  to  his  illustrious  rank.  He 
was  accordingly  taught  horsemanship  and  archery,  how  to 
conduct  himself  at  banquets,  how  to  hunt  with  the  falcon  and 
the  leopard,  and  made  familiar  with  the  manners  and  duty  of 
kings,  and  the  hardy  chivalry  of  the  age.  His  progress  in  the 
attainment  of  every  species  of  knowledge  and  science  was  sur- 
prising, and  in  hunting  he  never  stooped  to  the  pursuit  of  ani- 
mals inferior  to  the  lion  or  the  tiger.  It  was  not  long  before 
the  youth  felt  anxious  to  pay  a  visit  to  his  father,  and  Rustem 
willingly  complying  with  his  wishes,  accompanied  his  accom- 
plished pupil  to  the  royal  court,  where  they  were  both  received 
with  becoming  distinction,  Saiawush  having  fulfilled  Kaiis's 
expectations  in  the  highest  degree,  and  the  king's  gratitude  to 
the  champion  being  in  proportion  to  the  eminent  merit  of  his 
services  on  the  interesting  occasion.  After  this,  however,  pre- 
ceptors were  continued  to  enlighten  his  mind  seven  years 
longer,  and  then  he  was  emancipated  from  further  application 
and  study. 

One  day  Sudaveh,  the  daughter  of  the  Shah  of  Hamaveran, 
happening  to  see  Saiawush  sitting  with  his  father,  the  beauty 
of  his  person  made  an  instantaneous  impression  on  her  heart. 

The  fire  of  love  consumed  her  breast, 
The  thoughts  of  him  denied  her  rest. 
For  him  alone  she  pined  in  grief, 
From  him  alone  she  sought  relief, 
And  called  him  to  her  secret  bower, 
To  while  away  the  passing  hour: 
But  Saiawush  refused  the  call, 
He  would  not  shame  his  father's  hall. 

The  enamoured  Sudaveh,  however,  was  not  to  be  disappoint- 
ed without  further  effort,  and  on  a  subsequent  day  she  boldly 


"THE    SHAH    NAMEH  159 

went  to  the  king,  and  praising  the  character  and  attainments 
of  his  son,  proposed  that  he  should  be  united  in  marriage  to 
one  of  the  damsels  of  royal  lineage  under  her  care.  For  the 
pretended  purpose  therefore  of  making  his  choice,  she  request- 
ed he  might  be  sent  to  the  harem,  to  see  all  the  ladies  and  fix 
on  one  the  most  suited  to  his  taste.  The  king  approved  of  the 
proposal,  and  intimated  it  to  Saiawush ;  but  Saiawush  was 
modest,  timid,  and  bashful,  and  mentally  suspected  in  this 
overture  some  artifice  of  Sudaveh.  He  accordingly  hesitated, 
but  the  king  overcame  his  scruples,  and  the  youth  at  length 
repaired  to  the  shubistan,  as  the  retired  apartments  of  the 
women  are  called,  with  fear  and  trembling.  When  he  entered 
within  the  precincts  of  the  sacred  place,  he  was  surprised  by  the 
richness  and  magnificence  of  everything  that  struck  his  sight. 
He  was  delighted  with  the  company  of  beautiful  women,  and 
he  observed  Sudaveh  sitting  on  a  splendid  throne  in  an  interior 
chamber,  like  Heaven  in  beauty  and  loveliness,  with  a  coronet 
on  her  head,  and  her  hair  floating  round  her  in  musky  ringlets. 
Seeing  him  she  descended  gracefully,  and  clasping  him  in  her 
arms,  kissed  his  eyes  and  face  with  such  ardor  and  enthusiasm 
that  he  thought  proper  to  retire  from  her  endearments  and 
mix  among  the  other  damsels,  who  placed  him  on  a  golden 
chair  and  kept  him  in  agreeable  conversation  for  some  time. 
After  this  pleasing  interview  he  returned  to  the  king,  and  gave 
him  a  very  favorable  account  of  his  reception,  and  the  heavenly 
splendor  of  the  retirement,  worthy  of  Jemshid,  Feridun,  or 
Husheng,  which  gladdened  his  father's  heart.  Kaus  repeated 
to  him  his  wish  that  he  would  at  once  choose  one  of  the  lights 
of  the  harem  for  his  wife,  as  the  astrologers  had  prophesied 
on  his  marriage  the  birth  of  a  prince.  But  Saiawush  endeav- 
ored to  excuse  himself  from  going  again  to  Sudaveh's  apart- 
ments. The  king  smiled  at  his  weakness,  and  assured  him 
that  Sudaveh  was  alone  anxious  for  his  happiness,  upon  which 
the  youth  found  himself  again  in  her  power.  She  was  sur- 
rounded by  the  damsels  as  before,  but,  whilst  his  eyes  were  cast 
down,  they  shortly  disappeared,  leaving  him  and  the  enamoured 
Sudaveh  together.  She  soon  approached  him,  and  lovingly 

said : — 

"  O  why  the  secret  keep  from  one, 
Whose  heart  is  fixed  on  thee  alone! 
Say  who  thou  art,  from  whom  descended, 
Some  Peri  with  a  mortal  blended. 


160  FIRDUSI 

For  every  maid  who  sees  that  face, 
That  cypress-form  replete  with  grace, 
Becomes  a  victim  to  the  wiles 
Which  nestle  in  those  dimpled  smiles; 
Becomes  thy  own  adoring  slave, 
Whom  nothing  but  thy  love  can  save." 

To  this  Saiawush  made  no  reply.  The  history  of  the  advent- 
ure of  Kaus  at  Hamaveran,  and  what  the  king  and  his  warriors 
endured  in  consequence  of  the  treachery  of  the  father  of  Suda- 
veh,  flashed  upon  his  mind.  He  therefore  was  full  of  appre- 
hension, and  breathed  not  a  word  in  answer  to  her  fondness. 
Sudaveh  observing  his  silence  and  reluctance,  threw  away  from 
herself  the  veil  of  modesty, 

And  said:   "  O  be  my  own,  for  I  am  thine, 

And  clasp  me  in  thy  arms!  "    And  then  she  sprang 

To  the  astonished  boy,  and  eagerly 

Kissed  his  deep  crimsoned  cheek,  which  filled  his  soul 

With  strange  confusion.     "  When  the  king  is  dead, 

0  take  me  to  thyself;  see  how  I  stand, 
Body  and  soul  devoted  unto  thee." 

In  his  heart  he  said:  "  This  never  can  be: 
This  is  a  demon's  work — shall  I  be  treacherous? 
What!   to  my  own  dear  father?    Never,  never; 

1  will  not  thus  be  tempted  by  the  devil; 

»  Yet  must  I  not  be  cold  to  this  wild  woman, 
For  fear  of  further  folly." 

Saiawush  then  expressed  his  readiness  to  be  united  in  mar- 
riage to  her  daughter,  and  to  no  other ;  and  when  this  intelli- 
gence was  conveyed  to  Kaus  by  Sudaveh  herself,  His  Majesty 
was  extremely  pleased,  and  munificently  opened  his  treasury 
on  the  happy  occasion.  But  Sudaveh  still  kept  in  view  her 
own  design,  and  still  laboring  for  its  success,  sedulously  read 
her  own  incantations  to  prevent  disappointment,  at  any  rate 
to  punish  the  uncomplying  youth  if  she  failed.  On  another 
day  she  sent  for  him,  and  exclaimed : — 

"  I  cannot  now  dissemble;   since  I  saw  thee 
I  seem  to  be  as  dead — my  heart  all  withered. 
Seven  years  have  passed  in  unrequited  love — 
Seven  long,  long  years.     O !  be  not  still  obdurate, 
But  with  the  generous  impulse  of  affection, 
Oh,  bless  my  anxious  spirit,  or,  refusing, 
Thy  life  will  be  in  peril;  thou  shalt  die! " 
"  Never,"  replied  the  youth;  "  O,  never,  never; 
Oh,  ask  me  not,  for  this  can  never  be." 


THE   SH/H    NAMEH  161 

Saiawush  then  rose  to  depart  precipitately,  but  Sudaveh  ob- 
serving him,  endeavored  to  cling  round  him  and  arrest  his 
flight.  The  endeavor,  however,  was  fruitless ;  and  finding  at 
length  her  situation  desperate,  she  determined  to  turn  the  ad- 
venture into  her  own  favor,  by  accusing  Saiawush  of  an  atro- 
cious outrage  on  her  own  person  and  virtue.  She  accordingly 
tore  her  dress,  screamed  aloud,  and  rushed  out  of  her  apart- 
ment to  inform  Kaus  of  the  indignity  she  had  suffered. 
Among  her  women  the  most  clamorous  lamentations  arose, 
and  echoed  on  every  side.  The  king,  on  hearing  that  Saia- 
wush had  preferred  Sudaveh  to  her  daughter,  and  that  he  had 
meditated  so  abominable  an  offence,  thought  that  death  alone 
could  expiate  his  crime.  He  therefore  summoned  him  to  his 
presence ;  but  satisfied  that  it  would  be  difficult,  if  not  impossi- 
ble, to  ascertain  the  truth  of  the  case  from  either  party  con- 
cerned, he  had  recourse  to  a  test  which  he  thought  would  be 
infallible  and  conclusive.  He  first  smelt  the  hands  of  Saia- 
wush, and  then  his  garments,  which  had  the  scent  of  rose- 
water;  and  then  he  took  the  garments  of  Sudaveh,  which,  on 
the  contrary,  had  a  strong  flavor  of  wine  and  musk.  Upon 
this  discovery,  the  king  resolved  on  the  death  of  Sudaveh, 
being  convinced  of  the  falsehood  of  the  accusation  she  had 
made  against  his  son.  But  when  his  indignation  subsided,  he 
was  induced  on  various  accounts  to  forego  that  resolution. 
Yet  he  said  to  her,  "  I  am  sure  that  Saiawush  is  innocent,  but 
let  that  remain  concealed."  Sudaveh,  however,  persisted  in 
asserting  his  guilt,  and  continually  urged  him  to  punish  the 
reputed  offender,  but  without  being  attended  to. 

At  length  he  resolved  to  ascertain  the  innocence  of  Saiawush 
by  the  ordeal  of  fire ;  and  the  fearless  youth  prepared  to  under- 
go the  terrible  trial  to  which  he  was  sentenced,  telling  his 
father  to  be  under  no  alarm. 

"  The  truth  (and  its  reward  I  claim), 
Will  bear  me  safe  through  fiercest  flame." 

A  tremendous  fire  was  accordingly  lighted  on  the  adjacent 
plain,  which  blazed  to  an  immense  distance.  The  youth  was 
attired  in  his  golden  helmet  and  a  white  robe,  and  mounted  on 
a  black  horse.  He  put  up  a  prayer  to  the  Almighty  for  protec- 
tion, and  then  rushed  amidst  the  conflagration,  as  collectedly 
as  if  the  act  had  been  entirely  free  from  peril.  When  Sudaveh 
VOL.  I.— ii 


162  FIRDUSI 

heard  the  confused  exclamations  that  were  uttered  at  that 
moment,  she  hurried  upon  the  terrace  of  the  palace  and  wit- 
nessed the  appalling  sight,  and  in  the  fondness  of  her  heart, 
wished  even  that  she  could  share  his  fate,  the  fate  of  him  of 
whom  she  was  so  deeply  enamoured.  The  king  himself  fell 
from  his  throne  in  horror  on  seeing  him  surrounded  and  en- 
veloped in  the  flames,  from  which  there  seemed  no  chance  of 
extrication;  but  the  gallant  youth  soon  rose  up,  like  the  moon 
from  the  bursting  element,  and  went  through  the  ordeal  un- 
harmed and  untouched  by  the  fire.  Kaus,  on  coming  to  his 
senses,  rejoiced  exceedingly  on  the  happy  occasion,  and  his 
severest  anger  was  directed  against  Sudaveh,  whom  he  now 
determined  to  put  to  death,  not  only  for  her  own  guilt,  but  for 
exposing  his  son  to  such  imminent  danger.  The  noble  youth, 
however,  interceded  for  her.  Sudaveh,  notwithstanding,  still 
continued  to  practise  her  charms  and  incantations  in  secret,  to 
the  end  that  Saiawush  might  be  put  out  of  the  way;  and  in 
this  pursuit  she  was  indeed  indefatigable. 

Suddenly  intelligence  was  received  that  Afrasiyab  had  as- 
sembled another  army,  for  the  purpose  of  making  an  irruption 
into  Iran;  and  Kaus,  seeing  that  a  Tartar  could  neither  be 
bound  by  promise  nor  oath,  resolved  that  he  would  on  this 
occasion  take  the  field  himself,  penetrate  as  far  as  Balkh,  and 
seizing  the  country,  make  an  example  of  the  inhabitants.  But 
Saiawush  perceiving  in  this  prospect  of  affairs  an  opportunity 
of  becoming  free  from  the  machinations  and  witchery  of  Suda- 
veh, earnestly  requested  to  be  employed,  adding  that,  with  the 
advice  and  bravery  of  Rustem,  he  would  be  sure  of  success. 
The  king  referred  the  matter  to  Rustem, ,  who  candidly  de- 
clared that  there  was  no  necessity  whatever  for  His  Majesty 
proceeding  personally  to  the  war ;  and  upon  this  assurance  he 
threw  open  his  treasury,  and  supplied  all  the  resources  of  the 
empire  to  equip  the  troops  appointed  to  accompany  them. 
After  one  month  the  army  marched  toward  Balkh,  the  point 
of  attack. 

On  the  other  side  Gersiwaz,  the  ruler  of  Balghar,  joined  the 
Tartar  legions  at  Balkh,  commanded  by  Barman,  who  both 
sallied  forth  to  oppose  the  Persian  host,  and  after  a  conflict  of 
three  days  were  defeated,  and  obliged  to  abandon  the  fort. 
When  the  accounts  of  this  calamity  reached  Afrasiyab,  he  was 
seized  with  the  utmost  terror,  which  was  increased  by  a  dread- 


THE  SH/H   NAMEH  163 

ful  dream.  He  thought  he  was  in  a  forest  abounding  with 
serpents,  and  that  the  air  was  darkened  by  the  appearance  of 
countless  eagles.  The  ground  was  parched  up  with  heat,  and 
a  whirlwind  hurled  down  his  tent  and  overthrew  his  banners. 
On  every  side  flowed  a  river  of  blood,  and  the  whole  of  his 
army  had  been  defeated  and  butchered  in  his  sight.  He  was 
afterwards  taken  prisoner,  and  ignominiously  conducted  to 
Kaus,  in  whose  company  he  beheld  a  gallant  youth,  not  more 
than  fourteen  years  of  age,  who,  the  moment  he  saw  him, 
plunged  a  dagger  in  his  loins,  and  with  the  scream  of  agony 
produced  by  the  wound,  he  awoke.  Gersiwaz  had  in  the  mean- 
time returned  with  the  remnant  of  his  force;  and  being  in- 
formed of  these  particulars,  endeavored  to  console  Afrasiyab, 
by  assuring  him  that  the  true  interpretation  of  dreams  was  the 
reverse  of  appearances.  But  Afrasiyab  was  not  to  be  con- 
soled in  this  manner.  He  referred  to  his  astrologers,  who, 
however,  hesitated,  and  were  unwilling  to  afford  an  explana- 
tion of  the  mysterious  vision.  At  length  one  of  them,  upon 
the  solicited  promise  that  the  king  would  not  punish  him  for 
divulging  the  truth,  described  the  nature  of  the  warning  im- 
plied in  what  had  been  witnessed. 

"  And  now  I  throw  aside  the  veil, 
Which   hides  the  darkly  shadowed  tale. 
Led  by  a  prince  of  prosperous  star, 
The  Persian  legions  speed  to  war, 
And  in  his  horoscope  we  scan 
The  lordly  victor  of  Turan. 
If  thou  shouldst  to  the  conflict  rush, 
Opposed  to  conquering  Saiawush, 
Thy  Turkish  cohorts  will  be  slain, 
And  all  thy  saving  efforts  vain. 
For  if  he,  in  the  threatened  strife, 
Should  haply  chance  to  lose  his  life; 
Thy  country's  fate  will  be  the  same, 
Stripped  of  its  throne  and  diadem." 

Afrasiyab  was  satisfied  with  this  interpretation,  and  felt  the 
prudence  of  avoiding  a  war  so  pregnant  with  evil  consequences 
to  himself  and  his  kingdom.  He  therefore  deputed  Gersiwaz 
to  the  headquarters  of  Saiawush,  with  splendid  presents,  con- 
sisting of  horses  richly  caparisoned,  armor,  swords,  and  other 
costly  articles,  and  a  written  dispatch,  proposing  a  termination 
to  hostilities. 


164  FIRDUSI 

In  the  meantime  Saiawush  was  anxious  to  pursue  the  enemy 
across  the  Jihiin,  but  was  dissuaded  by  his  friends.  When 
Gersiwaz  arrived  on  his  embassy  he  was  received  with  distinc- 
tion, and  the  object  of  his  mission  being  understood,  a  secret 
council  was  held  upon  what  answer  should  be  given.  It  was 
then  deemed  proper  to  demand:  first,  one  hundred  distin- 
guished heroes  as  hostages;  and  secondly,  the  restoration  of 
all  the  provinces  which  the  Turanians  had  taken  from  Iran. 
Gersiwaz  sent  immediately  to  Afrasiyab  to  inform  him  of  the 
conditions  required,  and  without  the  least  delay  they  were 
approved.  A  hundred  warriors  were  soon  on  their  way ;  and 
Bokhara,  and  Samerkand,  and  Haj,  and  the  Punjab,  were 
faithfully  delivered  over  to  Saiawush.  Afrasiyab  himself  re- 
tired towards  Gungduz,  saying,  "  I  have  had  a  terrible  dream, 
and  I  will  surrender  whatever  may  be  required  from  me,  rather 
than  go  to  war." 

The  negotiations  being  concluded,  Saiawush  sent  a  letter  to 
his  father  by  the  hands  of  Rustem.  Rumor,  however,  had 
already  told  Kaus  of  Afrasiyab's  dream,  and  the  terror  he  had 
been  thrown  into  in  consequence.  The  astrologers  in  his  ser- 
vice having  prognosticated  from  it  the  certain  ruin  of  the  Tu- 
ranian king,  the  object  of  Rustem's  mission  was  directly  con- 
trary to  the  wishes  of  Kaus ;  but  Rustem  contended  that  the 
policy  was  good,  and  the  terms  were  good,  and  he  thereby  in- 
curred His  Majesty's  displeasure.  On  this  account  Kaus  ap- 
pointed Tus  the  leader  of  the  Persian  army,  and  commanded 
him  to  march  against  Afrasiyab,  ordering  Saiawush  at  the  same 
time  to  return,  and  bring  with  him  his  hundred  hostages.  At 
this  command  Saiawush  was  grievously  offended,  and  consult- 
ed with  his  chieftains,  Bahram,  and  Zinga,  and  Shaweran,  on 
the  fittest  course  to  be  pursued,  saying,  "  I  have  pledged  my 
word  to  the  fulfilment  of  the  terms,  and  what  will  the  world  say 
if  I  do  not  keep  my  faith  ?  "  The  chiefs  tried  to  quiet  his  mind, 
and  recommended  him  to  write  again  to  Kaus,  expressing  his 
readiness  to  renew  the  war,  and  return  the  hundred  hostages. 
But  Saiawush  was  in  a  different  humor,  and  thought  as  Tus 
had  been  actually  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  Persian 
army,  it  would  be  most  advisable  for  him  to  abandon  his  coun- 
try and  join  Afrasiyab.  The  chiefs,  upon  hearing  this  singular 
resolution,  unanimously  attempted  to  dissuade  him  from  pur- 
suing so  wild  a  course  as  throwing  himself  into  the  power  of 


THE   SH/H    NAMEH  165 

his  enemy ;  but  he  was  deaf  to  their  entreaties,  and  in  the  stub- 
bornness of  his  spirit,  wrote  to  Afrasiyab,  informing  him  that 
Kaus  had  refused  to  ratify  the  treaty  of  peace,  that  he  was  com- 
pelled to  return  the  hostages,  and  even  himself  to  seek  protec- 
tion in  Turan  from  the  resentment  of  his  father,  the  warrior 
Tus  having  been  already  entrusted  with  the  charge  of  the  army. 
This  unexpected  intelligence  excited  considerable  surprise  in 
the  mind  of  Afrasiyab,  but  he  had  no  hesitation  in  selecting  the 
course  to  be  followed.  The  ambassadors,  Zinga  and  Sha- 
weran,  were  soon  furnished  with  a  reply,  which  was  to  this  ef- 
fect : — "  I  settled  the  terms  of  peace  with  thee,  not  with  thy 
father.  With  him  I  have  nothing  to  do.  If  thy  choice  be  re- 
tirement and  tranquillity,  thou  shalt  have  a  peaceful  and  inde- 
pendent province  allotted  to  thee ;  but  if  war  be  thy  object,  I 
will  furnish  thee  with  a  large  army :  thy  father  is  old  and  in- 
firm, and  with  the  aid  of  Rustem,  Persia  will  be  an  easy  con- 
quest." Having  thus  obtained  the  promised  favor  and  support 
of  Afrasiyab,  Saiawush  gave  in  charge  to  Bahram  the  city  of 
Balkh,  the  army  and  treasure,  in  order  that  they  might  be 
delivered  over  to  Tus  on  his  arrival ;  and  taking  with  him 
three  hundred  chosen  horsemen,  passed  the  Jihun,  in  progress 
to  the  court  of  Afrasiyab.  On  taking  this  decisive  step,  he 
again  wrote  to  Kaus,  saying: — 

"  From  my  youth  upward  I  have  suffered  wrong 
At  first  Sudaveh,  false  and  treacherous, 
Sought  to  destroy  my  happiness  and  fame; 
And  thou  hadst  nearly  sacrificed  my  life 
To  glut  her  vengeance.    The  astrologers 
Were  all  unheeded,  who  pronounced  me  innocent, 
And  I  was  doomed  to  brave  devouring  fire, 
To  testify  that  I  was  free  from  guilt; 
But  God  was  my  deliverer!    Victory  now 
Has  marked  my  progress.     Balkh,  and  all  its  spoils, 
Are  mine,  and  so  reduced  the  enemy, 
That  I  have  gained  a  hundred  hostages, 
To  guarantee  the  peace  which  I  have  made; 
And  what  my  recompense!   a  father's  anger, 
Which  takes  me  from  my  glory.    Thus  deprived 
Of  thy  affection,  whither  can  I  fly? 
Be  it  to  friend  or  foe,  the  will  of  fate 
Must  be  my  only  guide — condemned  by  thee." 

The  reception  of  Saiawush  by  Afrasiyab  was  warm  and  flat- 
tering.    From  the  gates  of  the  city  to  the  palace,  gold  and 


166  FIRDUSI 

incense  were  scattered  over  his  head  in  the  customary  manner, 
and  exclamations  of  welcome  uttered  on  every  side. 

"  Thy  presence  gives  joy  to  the  land, 
Which  awaits  thy  command; 

It  is  thine!  it  is  thine! 

All  the  chiefs  of  the  state  have  assembled  to  meet  thee, 
All  the  flowers  of  the  land  are  in  blossom  to  greet  thee!  " 

The  youth  was  placed  on  a  golden  throne  next  to  Afrasiyab, 
and  a  magnificent  banquet  prepared  in  honor  of  the  stranger, 
and  music  and  the  songs  of  beautiful  women  enlivened  the 
festive  scene.  They  chanted  the  praises  of  Saiawush,  distin- 
guished, as  they  said,  among  men  for  three  things:  first,  for 
being  of  the  line  of  Kai-kobad;  secondly,  for  his  faith  and 
honor;  and,  thirdly,  for  the  wonderful  beauty  of  his  person, 
which  had  gained  universal  love  and  admiration.  The  favor- 
able sentiments  which  characterized  the  first  introduction  of 
Saiawush  to  Afrasiyab  continued  to  prevail,  and  indeed  the 
king  of  Turan  seemed  to  regard  him  with  increased  attachment 
and  friendship,  as  the  time  passed  away,  and  showed  him  all 
the  respect  and  honor  to  which  his  royal  birth  would  have 
entitled  him  in  his  own  country.  After  the  lapse  of  a  year, 
Piran-wisah,  one  of  Afrasiyab's  generals,  said  to  him: 
"  Young  prince,  thou  art  now  high  in  the  favor  of  the  king, 
and  at  a  great  distance  from  Persia,  and  thy  father  is  old; 
would  it  not  therefore  be  better  for  thee  to  marry  and  take  up 
thy  residence  among  us  for  life  ?  "  The  suggestion  was  a  ra- 
tional one,  and  Saiawush  readily  expressed  his  acquiescence; 
accordingly,  the  lovely  Gulshaher,  who  was  also  named  Jarira, 
having  been  introduced  to  him,  he  was  delighted  with  her  per- 
son, and  both  consenting  to  a  union,  the  marriage  ceremony 
was  immediately  performed. 

And  many  a  warm  delicious  kiss. 
Told  how  he  loved  the  wedded  bliss. 

Some  time  after  this  union,  Piran  suggested  another  alliance, 
for  the  purpose  of  strengthening  his  political  interest  and 
power,  and  this  was  with  Ferangis,  the  daughter  of  Afrasiyab. 
But  Saiawush  was  so  devoted  to  Gulshaher  that  he  first  con- 
sulted with  her  on  the  subject,  although  the  hospitality  and 
affection  of  the  king  constituted  such  strong  claims  on  his 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  167 

gratitude  that  refusal  was  impossible.  Gulshaher,  however, 
was  a  heroine,  and  willingly  sacrificed  her  own  feelings  for  the 
good  of  Saiawush,  saying  she  would  rather  condescend  to  be 
the  very  handmaid  of  Ferangis  than  that  the  happiness  and 
prosperity  of  her  lord  should  be  compromised.  The  second 
marriage  accordingly  took  place,  and  Afrasiyab  was  so  pleased 
with  the  match  that  he  bestowed  on  the  bride  and  her  husband 
the  sovereignty  of  Khoten,  together  with  countless  treasure  in 
gold,  and  a  great  number  of  horses,  camels,  and  elephants. 
In  a  short  time  they  proceeded  to  the  seat  of  the  new  govern- 
ment. 

Meanwhile  Kaus  suffered  the  keenest  distress  and  sorrow 
when  he  heard  of  the  flight  of  Saiawush  into  Turan,  and  Rus- 
tem  felt  such  strong  indignation  at  the  conduct  of  the  king  that 
he  abruptly  quitted  the  court,  without  permission,  and  retired 
to  Sistan.  Kaus  thus  found  himself  in  an  embarrassed  condi- 
tion, and  deemed  it  prudent  to  recall  both  Tus  and  the  army 
from  Balkh,  and  relinquish  further  hostile  measures  against 
Afrasiyab. 

The  first  thing  that  Saiawush  undertook  after  his  arrival  at 
Khoten,  was  to  order  the  selection  of  a  beautiful  site  for  his 
residence,  and  Piran  devoted  his  services  to  fulfil  that  object, 
exploring  all  the  provinces,  hills,  and  dales,  on  every  side.  At 
last  he  discovered  a  beautiful  spot,  at  the  distance  of  about  a 
month's  journey,  which  combined  all  the  qualities  and  advan- 
tages required  by  the  anxious  prince.  It  was  situated  on  a 
mountain,  and  surrounded  by  scenery  of  exquisite  richness  and 
variety.  The  trees  were  fresh  and  green,  birds  warbled  on 
every  spray,  transparent  rivulets  murmured  through  the  mead- 
ows, the  air  was  neither  oppressively  hot  in  summer,  nor  cold 
in  winter,  so  that  the  temperature,  and  the  attractive  objects 
which  presented  themselves  at  every  glance,  seemed  to  realize 
the  imagined  charms  and  fascinations  of  Paradise.  The  in- 
habitants enjoyed  perpetual  health,  and  every  breeze  was  laden 
with  music  and  perfume.  So  lovely  a  place  could  not  fail  to 
yield  pleasure  to  Saiawush,  who  immediately  set  about  build- 
ing a  palace  there,  and  garden-temples,  in  which  he  had  pict- 
ures painted  of  the  most  remarkable  persons  of  his  time,  and  also 
the  portraits  of  ancient  kings.  The  walls  were  decorated  with  the 
likenesses  of  Kai-kobad,  of  Kai-kaus,  Poshang,  Afrasiyab, 
and  Sam,  and  Zal,  and  Rustem,  and  other  champions  of  Persia 


168  FIRDUSI 

and  Turan.  When  completed,  it  was  a  gorgeous  retreat,  and 
the  sight  of  it  sufficient  to  give  youthful  vigor  to  the  withered 
faculties  of  age.  And  yet  Saiawush  was  not  happy!  Tears 
started  into  his  eyes  and  sorrow  weighed  upon  his  heart,  when- 
ever he  thought  upon  his  own  estrangement  from  home ! 

It  happened  that  the  lovely  Gulshaher,  who  had  been  left 
in  the  house  of  her  father,  was  delivered  of  a  son  in  due  time, 
and  he  was  named  Ferud. 

Afrasiyab,  on  being  informed  of  the  proceedings  of  Saia- 
wush, and  of  the  heart-expanding  residence  he  had  chosen, 
was  highly  gratified;  and  to  show  his  affectionate  regard,  des- 
patched to  him  with  the  intelligence  of  the  birth  of  a  son,  pres- 
ents of  great  value  and  variety.  Gersiwaz,  the  brother  of  Afra- 
siyab, and  who  had  from  the  first  looked  upon  Saiawush  with  a 
jealous  and  malignant  eye,  being  afraid  of  his  interfering  with 
his  own  prospects  in  Turan,  was  the  person  sent  on  this  occa- 
sion. But  he  hid  his  secret  thoughts  under  the  veil  of  outward 
praise  and  approbation.  Saiawush  was  pleased  with  the  intel- 
ligence and  the  presents,  but  failed  to  pay  the  customary  re- 
spect to  Gersiwaz  on  his  arrival,  and,  in  consequence,  the  lurk- 
ing indignation  and  hatred  formerly  felt  by  the  latter  were 
considerably  augmented.  The  attention  of  Saiawush  respect- 
ing his  army  and  the  concerns  of  the  state,  was  unremitting, 
and  noted  by  the  visitor  with  a  jealous  and  scrutinizing  eye, 
so  that  Gersiwaz,  on  his  return  to  the  court  of  Afrasiyab,  art- 
fully talked  much  of  the  pomp  and  splendor  of  the  prince,  and 
added :  "  Saiawush  is  far  from  being  the  amiable  character 
thou  hast  supposed ;  he  is  artful  and  ambitious,  and  he  has  col- 
lected an  immense  army ;  he  is  in  fact  dissatisfied.  As  a  proof 
of  his  haughtiness,  he  paid  me  but  little  attention,  and  doubt- 
less very  heavy  calamity  will  soon  befall  Turan,  should  he 
break  out,  as  I  apprehend  he  will,  into  open  rebellion : — 

For  he  is  proud,  and  thou  has  yet  to  learn 
The  temper  of  thy  daughter  Ferangis, 
Now  bound  to  him  in  duty  and  affection; 
Their  purpose  is  the  same,  to  overthrow 
The  kingdom  of  Turan,  and  thy  dominion; 
To  merge  the  glory  of  this  happy  realm 
Into  the  Persian  empire!" 

But  plausible  and  persuasive  as  were  the  observations  and 
positive  declarations  of  Gersiwaz,  Afrasiyab  would  not  believe 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  169 

the  imputed  ingratitude  and  hostility  of  Saiawush.  "  He  has 
sought  my  protection,"  said  he ;  "  he  has  thrown  himself  upon 
my  generosity,  and  I  cannot  think  him  treacherous.  But  if  he 
has  meditated  anything  unmerited  by  me,  and  unworthy  of 
himself,  it  will  be  better  to  send  him  back  to  Kai-kaus,  his 
father."  The  artful  Gersiwaz,  however,  was  not  to  be  diverted 
from  his  object:  he  said  that  Saiawush  had  become  personally 
acquainted  with  Turan,  its  position,  its  weakness,  its  strength, 
and  resources,  and  aided  by  Rustem,  would  soon  be  able  to 
overrun  the  country  if  he  was  suffered  to  return,  and  therefore 
he  recommended  Afrasiyab  to  bring  him  from  Khoten  by  some 
artifice,  and  secure  him.  In  conformity  with  this  suggestion, 
Gersiwaz  was  again  deputed  to  the  young  prince,  and  a  letter 
of  a  friendly  nature  written  for  the  purpose  of  blinding  him  to 
the  real  intentions  of  his  father-in-law.  The  letter  was  no 
sooner  read  than  Saiawush  expressed  his  desire  to  comply 
with  the  request  contained  in  it,  saying  that  Afrasiyab  had  been 
a  father  to  him,  and  that  he  would  lose  no  time  in  fulfilling  in 
all  respects  the  wishes  he  had  received. 

This  compliance  and  promptitude,  however,  was  not  in  har- 
mony with  the  sinister  views  of  Gersiwaz,  for  he  foresaw  that 
the  very  fact  of  answering  the  call  immediately  would  show 
that  some  misrepresentation  had  been  practised,  and  conse- 
quently it  was  his  business  now  to  promote  procrastination, 
and  an  appearance  of  evasive  delay.  He  therefore  said  to  him 
privately  that  it  would  be  advisable  for  him  to  wait  a  little,  and 
not  manifest  such  implicit  obedience  to  the  will  of  Afrasiyab ; 
but  Saiawush  replied,  that  both  his  duty  and  affection  urged 
him  to  a  ready  compliance.  Then  Gersiwaz  pressed  him  more 
warmly,  and  represented  how  inconsistent,  how  unworthy  of 
his  illustrious  lineage  it  would  be  to  betray  so  meek  a  spirit, 
especially  as  he  had  a  considerable  army  at  his  command,  and 
could  vindicate  his  dignity  and  his  rights.  And  he  addressed 
to  him  these  specious  arguments  so  incessantly  and  with  such 
earnestness,  that  the  deluded  prince  was  at  last  induced  to  put 
off  his  departure,  on  account  of  his  wife  Ferangis  pretending 
that  she  was  ill,  and  saying  that  the  moment  she  was  better  he 
would  return  to  Turan.  This  was  quite  enough  for  treachery 
to  work  upon  ;  and  as  soon  as  the  dispatch  was  sealed,  Gersiwaz 
conveyed  it  with  the  utmost  expedition  to  Afrasiyab.  Appear- 
ances, at  least,  were  thus  made  strong  against  Saiawush,  and 


170  FIRDUSI 

the  tyrant  of  Turan,  now  easily  convinced  of  his  falsehood,  and 
feeling  in  consequence  his  former  enmity  renewed,  forthwith 
assembled  an  army  to  punish  his  refractory  son-in-law.  Ger- 
siwaz  was  appointed  the  leader  of  that  army,  which  was  put  in 
motion  without  delay  against  the  unoffending  youth.  The 
news  of  Afrasiyab's  warlike  preparations  satisfied  the  mind  of 
Saiawush  that  Gersiwaz  had  given  him  good  advice,  and  that 
he  had  been  a  faithful  monitor,  for  immediate  compliance,  he 
now  concluded,  would  have  been  his  utter  ruin.  When  he 
communicated  this  unwelcome  intelligence  to  Ferangis,  she 
was  thrown  into  the  greatest  alarm  and  agitation ;  but  ever 
fruitful  in  expedients,  suggested  the  course  that  it  seemed  nec- 
essary he  should  instantly  adopt,  which  was  to  fly  by  a  circuit- 
ous route  back  to  Iran.  To  this  he  expressed  no  dissent,  pro- 
vided she  would  accompany  him ;  but  she  said  it  was  impossible 
to  do  so  on  account  of  the  condition  she  was  in.  "  Leave  me," 
she  added,  "  and  save  thy  own  life !  "  He  therefore  called  to- 
gether his  three  hundred  Iranians,  and  requesting  Ferangis, 
if  she  happened  to  be  delivered  of  a  son,  to  call  him  Kai-khos- 
rau,  set  off  on  his  journey. 

"  I  go,  surrounded  by  my  enemies; 
The  hand  of  merciless  Afrasiyab 
Lifted  against  me." 

It  was  not  the  fortune  of  Saiawush,  however,  to  escape  so 
easily  as  had  been  anticipated  by  Ferangis.  Gersiwaz  was 
soon  at  his  heels,  and  in  the  battle  that  ensued,  all  the  Iranians 
were  killed,  and  also  the  horse  upon  which  the  unfortunate 
prince  rode,  so  that  on  foot  he  could  make  but  little  progress. 
In  the  meantime  Afrasiyab  came  up,  and  surrounding  him, 
wanted  to  shoot  him  with  an  arrow,  but  he  was  restrained  from 
the  violent  act  by  the  intercession  of  his  people,  who  recom- 
mended his  being  taken  alive,  and  only  kept  in  prison.  Ac- 
cordingly he  was  again  attacked  and  secured,  and  still  Afra- 
siyab wished  to  put  him  to  death ;  but  Pilsam,  one  of  his  war- 
riors, and  the  brother  of  Piran,  induced  him  to  relinquish  that 
diabolical  intention,  and  to  convey  him  back  to  his  own  palace. 
Saiawush  was  then  ignominiously  fettered  and  conducted  to 
the  royal  residence,  which  he  had  himself  erected  and  orna- 
mented with  such  richness  and  magnificence.  The  sight  of 
the  city  and  its  splendid  buildings  filled  every  one  with  wonder 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  171 

and  admiration.  Upon  the  arrival  of  Afrasiyab,  Ferangis  has- 
tened to  him  in  a  state  of  the  deepest  distress,  and  implored  his 
clemency  and  compassion  in  favor  of  Saiawush. 

"  O  father,  he  is  not  to  blame, 
Still  pure  and  spotless  is  his  name; 
Faithful  and  generous  still  to  me, 
And  never — never  false  to  thee. 
This  hate  to  Gersiwaz  he  owes, 
The  worst,  the  bitterest  of  his  foes; 
Did  he  not  thy  protection  seek, 
And  wilt  thou  overpower  the  weak? 
Spill  royal  blood  thou  shouldest  bless, 
In  cruel  sport  and  wantonness? 
And  earn  the  curses  of  mankind, 
Living,  in  this  precarious  state, 
And  dead,  the  torments  of  the  mind, 

Which  hell  inflicts  upon  the  great 
Who  revel  in  a  murderous  course, 
And  rule  by  cruelty  and  force. 

"  It  scarce  becomes  me  now  to  tell, 
What  the  accursed  Zohak  befel, 
Or  what  the  punishment  which  hurled 
Silim  and  Tiir  from  out  the  world. 
And  is  not  Kaus  living  now, 
With  rightful  vengeance  on  his  brow? 
And  Rustem,  who  alone  can  make 
Thy  kingdom  to  its  centre  quake? 
Gudarz,  Ziiara,  and  Friburz, 
And  Tus,  and  Girgin,  and  Framurz; 
And  others  too  of  fearless  might, 
To  challenge  thee  to  mortal  fight? 
O,  from  this  peril  turn  away, 
Close  not  in  gloom  so  bright  a  day; 
Some  heed  to  thy  poor  daughter  give, 
And  let  thy  guiltless  captive  live." 

The  effect  of  this  appeal,  solemnly  and  urgently  delivered, 
was  only  transitory.  Afrasiyab  felt  a  little  compunction  at  the 
moment,  but  soon  resumed  his  ferocious  spirit,  and  to  ensure, 
without  interruption,  the  accomplishment  of  his  purpose,  con- 
fined Ferangis  is  one  of  the  remotest  parts  of  the  palace : — 

And  thus  to  Gersiwaz  unfeeling  spoke: 

"  Off  with  his  head,  down  with  the  enemy; 

But  take  especial  notice  that  his  blood 

Stains  not  the  earth,  lest  it  should  cry  aloud 

For  vengeance  on  us.    Take  good  care  of  that! " 


172  FIRDUSI 

Gersiwaz,  who  was  but  too  ready  an  instrument,  immedi- 
ately directed  Karu-zira,  a  kinsman  of  Afrasiyab,  who  had 
been  also  one  of  the  most  zealous  in  promoting  the  ruin  of  the 
Persian  prince,  to  inflict  the  deadly  blow ;  and  Saiawush,  whilst 
under  the  grasp  of  the  executioner,  had  but  time  to  put  up  a 
prayer  to  Heaven,  in  which  he  hoped  that  a  son  might  be  born 
to  him  to  vindicate  his  good  name,  and  be  revenged  on  his 
murderer.  The  executioner  then  seized  him  by  the  hair,  and 
throwing  him  on  the  ground,  severed  the  head  from  the  body. 
A  golden  vessel  was  ready  to  receive  the  blood,  as  commanded 
by  Afrasiyab ;  but  a  few  drops  happened  to  be  spilt  on  the  soil, 
and  upon  that  spot  a  tree  grew  up,  which  was  afterwards  called 
Saiawush,  and  believed  to  possess  many  wonderful  virtues ! 
The  blood  was  carefully  conveyed  to  Afrasiyab,  the  head  fixed 
on  the  point  of  a  javelin,  and  the  body  was  buried  with  respect 
and  affection  by  his  friend  Pilsam,  who  had  witnessed  the  mel- 
ancholy catastrophe.  It  is  also  related  that  a  tremendous  tem- 
pest occurred  at  the  time  this  amiable  prince  was  murdered, 
and  that  a  total  darkness  covered  the  face  of  the  earth,  so  that 
the  people  could  not  distinguish  each  other's  faces.  Then  was 
the  name  of  Afrasiyab  truly  execrated  and  abhorred  for  the 
cruel  act  he  had  committed,  and  all  the  inhabitants  of  Khoten 
long  cherished  the  memory  of  Saiawush. 

Ferangis  was  frantic  with  grief  when  she  was  told  of  the  sad 
fate  of  her  husband,  and  all  her  household  uttered  the  loudest 
lamentations.  Pilsam  gave  the  intelligence  to  Piran  and  the 
proverb  was  then  remembered :  "  It  is  better  to  be  in  hell, 
than  under  the  rule  of  Afrasiyab !  "  When  the  deep  sorrow  of 
Ferangis  reached  the  ears  of  her  father,  he  determined  on  a 
summary  procedure,  and  ordered  Gersiwaz  to  have  her  pri- 
vately made  away  with,  so  that  there  might  be  no  issue  of  her 
marriage  with  Saiawush. 

Piran  with  horror  heard  this  stern  command, 

And  hasten'd  to  the  king,  and  thus  addressed  him: 

"What!    wouldst  thou  hurl  thy  vengeance  on  a  woman, 

That  woman,  too,  thy  daughter?    Is  it  wise, 

Or  natural,  thus  to  sport  with  human  life? 

Already  hast  thou  taken  from  her  arms 

Her  unoffending  husband — that  was  cruel; 

But  thus  to  shed  an  innocent  woman's  blood, 

And  kill  her  unborn  infant — that  would  be 

Too  dreadful  to  imagine!    Is  she  not 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  173 

Thy  own  fair  daughter,  given  in  happier  time 
To  him  who  won  thy  favour  and  affection? 
Think  but  of  that,  and  from  thy  heart  root  out 
This  demon  wish,  which  leads  thee  to  a  crime, 
Mocking  concealment;   vain  were  the  endeavour 
To  keep  the  murder  secret,  and  when  known, 
The  world's  opprobrium  would  pursue  thy  name. 
And  after  death,  what  would  thy  portion  be! 
No  more  of  this — honour  me  with  the  charge, 
And  I  will  keep  her  with  a  father's  care, 
In  my  own  mansion."    Then  Afrasiyab 
Readily  answered:   "Take  her  to  thy  home, 
But  when  the  child  is  born,  let  it  be  brought 
Promptly  to  me — my  will  must  be  obeyed." 

Piran  rejoiced  at  his  success ;  and  assenting  to  the  command 
of  Afrasiyab,  took  Ferangis  with  him  to  Khoten,  where  in  due 
time  a  child  was  born,  and  being  a  son,  was  called  Kai-khosrau. 
As  soon  as  he  was  born,  Piran  took  measures  to  prevent  his 
being  carried  off  to  Afrasiyab,  and  committed  him  to  the  care 
of  some  peasants  on  the  mountain  Kalun.  On  the  same  night 
Afrasiyab  had  a  dream,  in  which  he  received  intimation  of  the 
birth  of  Kai-khosrau;  and  upon  this  intimation  he  sent  for 
Piran  to  know  why  his  commands  had  not  been  complied  with. 
Piran  replied,  that  he  had  cast  away  the  child  in  the  wilder- 
ness. "And  why  was  he  not  sent  to  me?"  inquired  the 
despot.  "  Because,"  said  Piran,  "  I  considered  thy  own  future 
happiness ;  thou  hast  unjustly  killed  the  father,  and  God  forbid 
that  thou  shouldst  also  kill  the  son !  "  Afrasiyab  was  abashed, 
and  it  is  said  that  ever  after  the  atrocious  murder  of  Saiawush, 
he  had  been  tormented  with  the  most  terrible  and  harrowing 
dreams.  Gersiwaz  now  became -hateful  to  his  sight,  and  he 
began  at  last  deeply  to  repent  of  his  violence  and  inhumanity. 

Kai-khosrau  grew  up  under  the  fostering  protection  of  the 
peasants,  and  showed  early  marks  of  surprising  talent  and 
activity.  He  excelled  in  manly  exercises ;  and  hunting  fero- 
cious animals  was  his  peculiar  delight.  Instructors  had  been 
provided  to  initiate  him  in  all  the  arts  and  pursuits  cultivated  by 
the  warriors  of  those  days,  and  even  in  his  twelfth  year  accounts 
were  forwarded  to  Piran  of  several  wonderful  feats  which  he 
had  performed. 

Then  smiled  the  good  old  man,  and  joyful  said: 
"  'Tis  ever  thus — the  youth  of  royal  blood 
Will  not  disgrace  his  lineage,  but  betray 


174  FIRDUSI 

By  his  superior  mien  and  gallant  deeds 

From  whence  he  sprung.     'Tis  by  the  luscious  fruit 

We  know  the  tree,  and  glory  in  its  ripeness!  " 

Piran  could  not  resist  paying  a  visit  to  the  youth  in  his 
mountainous  retreat,  and,  happy  to  find  him,  beyond  all 
expectation,  distinguished  for  the  elegance  of  his  external 
appearance,  and  the  superior  qualities  of  his  mind,  related  to 
him  the  circumstances  under  which  he  had  been  exposed,  and 
the  rank  and  misfortunes  of  his  father.  An  artifice  then 
occurred  to  him  which  promised  to  be  of  ultimate  advantage. 
He  afterwards  told  Afrasiyab  that  the  offspring  of  Ferangis, 
thrown  by  him  into  the  wilderness  to  perish,  had  been  found 
by  a  peasant  and  brought  up,  but  that  he  understood  the  boy 
was  little  better  than  an  idiot.  Afrasiyab,  upon  this  informa- 
tion, desired  that  he  might  be  sent  for,  and  in  the  meantime 
Piran  took  especial  care  to  instruct  Kai-khosrau  how  he  should 
act;  which  was  to  seem  in  all  respects  insane,  and  he  accord- 
ingly appeared  before  the  king  in  the  dress  of  a  prince  with  a 
golden  crown  on  his  head,  and  the  royal  girdle  round  his  loins. 
Kai-khosrau  proceeded  on  horseback  to  the  court  of  Afrasiyab, 
and  having  performed  the  usual  salutations,  was  suitably 
received,  though  with  strong  feelings  of  shame  and  remorse  on 
the  part  of  the  tyrant.  Afrasiyab  put  several  questions  to  him, 
which  were  answered  in  a  wild  and  incoherent  manner,  entirely 
at  variance  with  the  subject  proposed.  The  king  could  not 
help  smiling,  and  supposing  him  to  be  totally  deranged,  allowed 
him  to  be  sent  with  presents  to  his  mother,  for  no  harm,  he 
thought,  could  possibly  be  apprehended  from  one  so  forlorn  in 
mind.  Piran. triumphed  in  the  success  of  his  scheme,  and  lost 
no  time  in  taking  Kai-khosrau  to  his  mother.  All  the  people 
of  Khoten  poured  blessings  on  the  head  of  the  youth,  and 
imprecations  on  the  merciless  spirit  of  Afrasiyab.  The  city 
built  by  Saiawush  had  been  razed  to  the  ground  by  the  exter- 
minating fury  of  his  enemies,  and  wild  animals  and  reptiles 
occupied  the  place  on  which  it  stood.  The  mother  and  son 
visited  the  spot  where  Saiawush  was  barbarously  killed,  and  the 
tree,  which  grew  up  from  the  soil  enriched  by  his  blood,  was 
found  verdant  and  flourishing,  and  continued  to  possess  in  per- 
fection its  marvellous  virtues. 

The  tale  of  Saiawush  is  told; 
And  now  the  pages  bright  unfold, 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  175 

Rustem's  revenge — Sudaveh's  fate — 
Afrasiyab's  degraded  state, 
And  that  terrific  curse  and  ban 
Which  fell  at  last  upon  Turin! 

When  Kai-kaus  heard  of  the  fate  of  his  son,  and  all  its  hor- 
rible details  were  pictured  to  his  mind,  he  was  thrown  into 
the  deepest  affliction.  His  warriors,  Tus,  and  Gudarz,  and 
Bahram,  and  Friburz,  and  Ferhad,  felt  with  equal  keenness  the 
loss  of  the  amiable  prince,  and  Rustem,  as  soon  as  the  dread- 
ful intelligence  reached  Sistan,  set  off  with  his  troops  to  the 
court  of  the  king,  still  full  of  indignation  at  the  conduct  of 
Kaus,  and  oppressed  with  sorrow  respecting  the  calamity  which 
had  occurred.  On  his  arrival  he  thus  addressed  the  weeping 
and  disconsolate  father  of  Saiawush,  himself  at  the  same  time 
drowned  in  tears : — 

"  How  has  thy  temper  turned  to  nought,  the  seed 
Which  might  have  grown,  and  cast  a  glorious  shadow; 
How  is  it  scattered  to  the  barren  winds! 
Thy  love  for  false  Sudaveh  was  the  cause 
Of  all  this  misery;   she,  the  Sorceress, 
O'er  whom  thou  hast  so  oft  in  rapture  hung, 
Enchanted  by  her  charms;  she  was  the  cause 
Of  this  destruction.    Thou  art  woman's  slave! 
Woman,  the  bane  of  man's  felicity! 
Who  ever  trusted  woman?    Death  were  better 
Than  being  under  woman's  influence; 
She  places  man  upon  the  foamy  ridge 
Of  the  tempestuous  wave,  which  rolls  to  ruin, 
Who  ever  trusted  woman? — Woman!  woman!  " 
Katis  looked  down  with  melancholy  mien, 
And,  half  consenting,  thus  to  Rustem  said: — 
"  Sudaveh's  blandishments  absorbed  my  soul, 
And  she  has  brought  this  wretchedness  upon  me." 
Rustem  rejoined — "  The  world  must  be  revenged 
Upon  this  false  Sudaveh; — she  must  die." 
Kaus  was  silent;  but  his  tears  flowed  fast, 
And  shame  withheld  resistance.     Rustem  rushed 
Without  a  pause  towards  the  shubistan; 
Impatient,  nothing  could  obstruct  his  speed 
To  slay  Sudaveh; — her  he  quickly  found, 
And  rapidly  his  sanguinary  sword 
Performed  its  office.     Thus  the  Sorceress  died. 
Such  was  the  punishment  her  crimes  received. 


1 76  FIRDUSI 

Having  thus  accomplished  the  first  part  of  his  vengeance,  he 
proceeded  with  the  Persian  army  against  Afrasiyab,  and  all  the 
Iranian  warriors  followed  his  example.  When  he  had  pene- 
trated as  far  as  Turan,  the  enemy  sent  forward  thirty  thousand 
men  to  oppose  his  progress ;  and  in  the  conflict  which  ensued, 
Feramurz  took  Sarkha,  the  son  of  Afrasiyab,  prisoner.  Rustem 
delivered  him  over  to  Tus  to  be  put  to  death  precisely  in  the 
same  manner  as  Saiawush ;  but  the  captive  represented  himself 
as  the  particular  friend  of  Saiawush,  and  begged  to  be  par- 
doned on  that  account.  Rustem,  however,  had  sworn  that  he 
would  take  his  revenge,  without  pity  or  remorse,  and  accord- 
ingly death  was  inflicted  upon  the  unhappy  prisoner,  whose 
blood  was  received  in  a  dish,  and  sent  to  Kaus,  and  the  severed 
head  suspended  over  the  gates  of  the  king's  palace.  Afrasiyab 
hearing  of  this  catastrophe,  which  sealed  the  fate  of  his  favorite 
son,  immediately  collected  together  the  whole  of  the  Turanian 
army,  and  hastened  himself  to  resist  the  conquering  career  of 
the  enemy. 

As  on  they  moved;    with  loud  and  dissonant  clang; 
His  numerous  troops  shut  out  the  prospect  round; 
No  sun  was  visible  by  day;   no  moon, 
Nor  stars  by  night.    The  tramp  of  men  and  steeds, 
And  rattling  drums,  and  shouts,  were  only  heard, 
And  the  bright  gleams  of  armour  only  seen. 

Ere  long  the  two  armies  met,  when  Pilsam,  the  brother  of 
Piran,  was  ambitious  of  opposing  his  single  arm  against  Rus- 
tem, upon  which  Afrasiyab  said : — "  Subdue  Rustem,  and  thy 
reward  shall  be  my  daughter,  and  half  my  kingdom."  Piran, 
however,  observed  that  he  was  too  young  to  be  a  fit  match  for 
the  experience  and  valor  of  the  Persian  champion,  and  would 
have  dissuaded  him  from  the. unequal  contest,  but  the  choice 
was  his  own,  and  he  was  consequently  permitted  by  Afrasiyab 
to  put  his  bravery  to  the  test.  Pilsam  accordingly  went  forth 
and  summoned  Rustem  to  the  fight ;  but  Giw,  hearing  the  call, 
accepted  the  challenge  himself,  and  had  nearly  been  thrown 
from  his  horse  by  the  superior  activity  of  his  opponent.  Fera- 
murz luckily  saw  him  at  the  perilous  moment,  and  darting  for- 
ward, with  one  stroke  of-  his  sword  shattered  Pilsam's  javelin 
to  pieces,  and  then  a  new  strife  began.  Pilsam  and  Feramurz 
fought  together  with  desperation,  till  both  were  almost  ex- 
hausted, and  Rustem  himself  was  surprised  to  see  the  display 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  177 

of  so  much  valor.  Perceiving  the  wearied  state  of  the  two 
warriors  he  pushed  forward  Rakush,  and  called  aloud  to  Pil- 
sam : — "  Am  I  not  the  person  challenged  ?  "  and  immediately 
the  Turanian  chief  proceeded  to  encounter  him,  striking  with 
all  his  might  at  the  head  of  the  champion  ;  but  though  the  sword 
was  broken  by  the  blow,  not  a  hair  of  his  head  was  disordered. 

Then  Rustem  urging  on  his  gallant  steed, 

Fixed  his  long  javelin  in  the  girdle  band 

Of  his  ambitious  foe,  and  quick  unhorsed  him; 

Then  dragged  him  on  towards  Afrasiyab, 

And,  scoffing,  cast  him  at  the  despot's  feet. 

"  Here  comes  the  glorious  conqueror,"  he  said; 

"  Now  give  to  him  thy  daughter  and  thy  treasure, 

Thy  kingdom  and  thy  soldiers;    has  he  not 

Done  honour  to  thy  country? — Is  he  not 

A  jewel  in  thy  crown  of  sovereignty? 

What  arrogance  inspired  the  fruitless  hope! 

Think  of  thy  treachery  to  Saiawush; 

Thy  savage  cruelty,  and  never  look 

For  aught  but  deadly  hatred  from  mankind; 

And  in  the  field  of  fight  defeat  and  ruin." 

Thus  scornfully  he  spoke,  and  not  a  man, 

Though  in  the  presence  of  Afrasiyab, 

Had  soul  to  meet  him;  fear  o'ercame  them  all 

Monarch  and  warriors,  for  a  time.    At  length 

Shame  was  awakened,  and  the  king  appeared 

In  arms  against  the  champion.     Fiercely  they 

Hurled  their  sharp  javelins — Rustem's  struck  the  head 

Of  his  opponent's  horse,  which  floundering  fell, 

And  overturned  his  rider.     Anxious  then 

The  champion  sprang  to  seize  the  royal  prize; 

But  Human  rushed  between,  and  saved  his  master, 

Who  vaulted  on  another  horse  and  fled. 

Having  thus  rescued  Afrasiyab,  the  wary  chief  exercised  all 
his  cunning  and  adroitness  to  escape  himself,  and  at  last 
succeeded.  Rustem  pursued  him,  and  the  Turanian  troops, 
who  had  followed  the  example  of  the  king ;  but  though 
thousands  were  slain  in  the  chase  which  continued  for  many 
farsangs,  no  further  advantage  was  obtained  on  that  day. 
Next  morning,  however,  Rustem  resumed  his  pursuit ;  and  the 
enemy  hearing  of  his  approach,  retreated  into  Chinese  Tartary, 
to  secure,  among  other  advantages,  the  person  of  Kai-khosrau ; 
leaving  the  kingdom  of  Turan  at  the  mercy  of  the  invader, 
who  mounted  the  throne,  and  ruled  there,  it  is  said,  about 
VOL.  I. — 12 


178  FIRDUSI 

seven  years,  with  memorable  severity,  proscribing  and  putting 
to  death  every  person  who  mentioned  the  name  of  Afrasiyab. 
In  the  meantime  he  made  splendid  presents  to  Tus  and  Gudarz, 
suitable  to  their  rank  and  services ;  and  Ziiara,  in  revenge  for 
the  monstrous  outrage  committed  upon  Saiawush,  burnt  and 
destroyed  everything  that  came  in  his  way;  his  wrath  being 
exasperated  by  the  sight  of  the  places  in  which  the  young 
prince  had  resided,  and  recreated  himself  with  hunting  and 
other  sports  of  the  field.  The  whole  realm,  in  fact,  was  deliv- 
ered over  to  plunder  and  devastation ;  and  every  individual  of 
the  army  was  enriched  by  the  appropriation  of  public  and 
private  wealth.  The  companions  of  Rustem,  however,  grew 
weary  of  residing  in  Turin,  and  they  strongly  represented  to 
him  the  neglect  which  Kai-kaus  had  suffered  for  so  many  years, 
recommending  his  return  to  Persia,  as  being  more  honorable 
than  the  exile  they  endured  in  an  ungenial  climate.  Rustem's 
abandonment  of  the  kingdom  was  at  length  carried  into  effect ; 
and  he  and  his  warriors  did  not  fail  to  take  away  with  them  all 
the  immense  property  that  remained  in  jewels  and  gold ;  part 
of  which  was  conveyed  by  the  champion  to  Zabul  and  Sistan, 
and  a  goodly  proportion  to  the  king  of  kings  in  Persia. 

When  to  Afrasiyab  was  known 

The  plunder  of  his  realm  and  throne, 

That  the  destroyer's  reckless  hand 

With  fire  and  sword  had  scathed  the  land, 

Sorrow  and  anguish  filled  his  soul, 

And  passion  raged  beyond  control; 

And  thus  he  to  his  warriors  said: — 

"  At  such  a  time,  is  valour  dead? 

The  man  who  hears  the  mournful  tale, 

And  is  not  by  his  country's  bale 

Urged  on  to  vengeance,  cannot  be 

Of  woman  born;   accursed  is  he! 

The  time  will  come  when  I  shall  reap 

The  harvest  of  resentment  deep; 

And  till  arrives  that  fated  hour, 

Farewell  to  joy  in  hall  or  bower." 

Rustem,  in  taking  revenge  for  the  murder  of  Saiawush,  had 
not  been  unmindful  of  Kai-khosrau,  and  had  actually  sent  to 
the  remote  parts  of  Tartary  in  quest  of  him. 

It  is  said  that  Gudarz  beheld  in  a  dream  the  young  prince, 
who  pointed  out  to  him  his  actual  residence,  and  intimated 


THE   SH/H    NXMEH  179 

that  of  all  the  warriors  of  Kaus,  Giw  was  the  only  one  destined 
to  restore  him  to  the  world  and  his  birth-right.  The  old  man 
immediately  requested  his  son  Giw  to  go  to  the  place  where  the 
stranger  would  be  found.  Giw  readily  complied,  and  in  his 
progress  provided  himself  at  every  stage  successively  with  a 
guide,  whom  he  afterwards  slew  to  prevent  discovery,  and  in 
this  manner  he  proceeded  till  he  reached  the  boundary  of  Chin, 
enjoying  no  comfort  by  day,  or  sleep  by  night.  His  only  food 
was  the  flesh  of  the  wild  ass,  and  his  only  covering  the  skin  of 
the  same  animal.  He  went  on  traversing  mountain  and  forest, 
enduring  every  privation,  and  often  did  he  hesitate,  often  did 
he  think  of  returning,  but  honor  urged  him  forward  in  spite 
of  the  trouble  and  impediments  with  which  he  was  continually 
assailed.  Arriving  in  a  desert  one  day,  he  happened  to  meet 
with  several  persons,  who  upon  being  interrogated,  said  that 
they  were  sent  by  Piran-wisah  in  search  of  Kai-kaus.  Giw 
kept  his  own  secret,  saying  that  he  was  amusing  himself  with 
hunting  the  wild  ass,  but  took  care  to  ascertain  from  them  the 
direction  in  which  they  were  going.  During  the  night  the 
parties  separated,  and  in  the  morning  Giw  proceeded  rapidly 
on  his  route,  and  after  some  time  discovered  a  youth  sitting  by 
the  side  of  a  fountain,  with  a  cup  in  his  hand,  whom  he  sup- 
posed to  be  Kai-khosrau.  The  youth  also  spontaneously 
thought  "This  must  be  Giw";  and  when  the  traveller  ap- 
proached him,  and  said,  "  I  am  sure  thou  art  the  son  of  Saia- 
wush  ";  the  youth  observed,  "  I  am  equally  sure  that  thou  art 
Giw,  the  son  of  Gudarz."  At  this  Giw  was  amazed,  and  falling 
at  his  feet,  asked  how,  and  from  what  circumstance,  he  recog- 
nized him.  The  youth  replied  that  he  knew  all  the  warriors  of 
Kaus ;  Rustem,  and  Kishwad,  and  Tus,  and  Gudarz,  and  the 
rest,  from  their  portraits  in  his  father's  gallery,  they  being 
deeply  impressed  on  his  mind.  He  then  asked  in  what  way 
Giw  had  discovered  him  to  be  Kai-khosrau,  and  Giw  answered, 
"  Because  I  perceived  something  kingly  in  thy  countenance. 
But  let  me  again  examine  thee !  "  The  youth,  at  this  request, 
removed  his  garments,  and  Giw  beheld  that  mark  on  his  body 
which  was  the  heritage  of  the  race  of  Kai-kobad.  Upon  this 
discovery  he  rejoiced,  and  congratulating  himself  and  the 
young  prince  on  the  success  of  his  mission,  related  to  him  the 
purpose  for  which  he  had  come.  Kai-khosrau  was  soon 
mounted  on  horseback,  and  Giw  accompanied  him  respectfully 


z8o  FIRDUSI 

on  foot.  They,  in  the  first  instance,  pursued  their  way  towards 
the  abode  of  Ferangis,  his  mother.  The  persons  sent  by  Piran- 
wisah  did  not  arrive  at  the  place  where  Kai-khosrau  had  been 
kept  till  long  after  Giw  and  the  prince  departed;  and  then 
they  were  told  that  a  Persian  horseman  had  come  and  carried 
off  the  youth,  upon  which  they  immediately  returned,  and 
communicated  to  Piran  what  had  occurred.  Ferangis,  in  re- 
covering her  son,  mentioned  to  Giw,  with  the  fondness  of  a 
mother,  the  absolute  necessity  of  going  on  without  delay,  and 
pointed  out  to  him  the  meadow  in  which  some  of  Afrasiyab's 
horses  were  to  be  met  with,  particularly  one  called  Behzad, 
which  once  belonged  to  Saiawush,  and  which  her  father  had 
kept  in  good  condition  for  his  own  riding.  Giw,  therefore, 
went  to  the  meadow,  and  throwing  his  kamund,  secured  Beh- 
zad and  another  horse ;  and  all  three  being  thus  accommodated, 
hastily  proceeded  on  their  journey  towards  Iran. 

Tidings  of  the  escape  of  Kai-khosrau  having  reached  Afra- 
siyab,  he  despatched  Kulbad  with  three  hundred  horsemen  after 
him ;  and  so  rapid  were  his  movements  that  he  overtook  the 
fugitives  in  the  vicinity  of  Bulgharia.  Khosrau  and  his  mother 
were  asleep,  but  Giw  being  awake,  and  seeing  an  armed  force 
evidently  in  pursuit  of  his  party,  boldly  put  on  his  armor, 
mounted  Behzad,  and  before  the  enemy  came  up,  advanced  to 
the  charge.  He  attacked  the  horsemen  furiously  with  sword 
and  mace,  for  he  had  heard  the  prophecy,  which  declared  that 
Kai-khosrau  was  destined  to  be  the  king  of  kings,  and  therefore 
he  braved  the  direst  peril  with  confidence,  and  the  certainty  of 
success.  It  was  this  feeling  which  enabled  him  to  perform  such 
a  prodigy  of  valor,  in  putting  Kulbad  and,  his  three  hundred 
horsemen  to  the  rout.  They  all  fled  defeated,  and  dispersed 
precipitately  before  him.  After  this  surprising  victory,  he  re- 
turned to  the  halting  place,  and  told  Kai-khosrau  what  he  had 
done.  The  prince  was  disappointed  at  not  having  been  awak- 
ened to  participate  in  the  exploit,  but  Giw  said,  "  I  did  not 
wish  to  disturb  thy  sweet  slumbers  unnecessarily.  It  was  thy 
good  fortune  and  prosperous  star,  however,  which  made  me 
triumph  over  the  enemy."  The  three  travellers  then  resuming 
their  journey : 

Through  dreary  track,  and  pathless  waste, 
And  wood  and  wild,  their  way  they  traced. 


THE   SHAH   NAMEH  181 

The  return  of  the  defeated  Kulbad  excited  the  greatest 
indignation  in  the  breast  of  Piran.  "  What !  three  hundred 
soldiers  to  fly  from  the  valor  of  one  man !  Had  Giw  possessed 
even  the  activity  and  might  of  Rustem  and  Sam,  such  a  shame- 
ful discomfiture  could  scarcely  have  happened."  Saying  this, 
he  ordered  the  whole  force  under  his  command  to  be  got  ready, 
and  set  off  himself  to  overtake  and  intercept  the  fugitives,  who, 
fatigued  with  the  toilsome  march,  were  only  able  to  proceed 
one  stage  in  the  day.  Piran,  therefore,  who  travelled  at  the  rate 
of  one  hundred  leagues  a  day,  overtook  them  before  they  had 
passed  through  Bulgharia.  Ferangis,  who  saw  the  enemy's 
banner  floating  in  the  air,  knew  that  it  belonged  to  Piran, 
and  instantly  awoke  the  two  young  men  from  sleep.  Upon 
this  occasion,  Khosrau  insisted  on  acting  his  part,  instead 
of  being  left  ignominiously  idle ;  but  Giw  was  still  resolute  and 
determined  to  preserve  him  from  all  risk,  at  the  peril  of  his 
own  life.  "  Thou  art  destined  to  be  the  king  of  the  world ; 
thou  art  yet  young,  and  a  novice,  and  hast  never  known  the 
toils  of  war ;  Heaven  forbid  that  any  misfortune  should  befall 
thee :  indeed,  whilst  I  live,  I  will  never  suffer  thee  to  go  into 
battle !  "  Khosrau  then  proposed  to  give  him  assistance ;  but 
Giw  said  he  wanted  no  assistance,  not  even  from  Rustem ; 
"  for,"  he  added,  "  in  art  and  strength  we  are  equal,  having 
frequently  tried  our  skill  together."  Rustem  had  given  his 
daughter  in  marriage  to  Giw,  he  himself  being  married  to  Giw's 
sister.  "  Be  of  good  cheer,"  resumed  he,  "  get  upon  some  high 
place,  and  witness  the  battle  between  us. 

Fortune  will  still  from  Heaven  descend, 
The  god  of  victory  is  my  friend." 

As  soon  as  he  took  the  field,  Piran  thus  addressed  him: 
"  Thou  hast  once,  singly,  defeated  three  hundred  of  my 
soldiers ;  thou  shalt  now  see  what  punishment  awaits  thee  at 
my  hands. 

For  should  a  warrior  be  a  rock  of  steel, 

A  thousand  ants,  gathered  on  every  side, 

In  time  will  make  him  but  a  heap  of  dust." 

In  reply,  Giw  said  to  Piran,  "  I  am  the  man  who  bound  thy 
two  women,  and  sent  them  from  China  to  Persia — Rustem  and 
I  are  the  same  in  battle.  Thou  knowest,  when  he  encountered 


182  FIRDUSI 

a  thousand  horsemen,  what  was  the  result,  and  what  he  accom- 
plished !  Thou  wilt  find  me  the  same :  is  not  a  lion  enough  to 
overthrow  a  thousand  kids  ? 

If  but  a  man  survive  of  thy  proud  host, 

Brand  me  with  coward — say  I'm  not  a  warrior. 

Already  have  I  triumphed  o'er  Kulbad, 

And  now  I'll  take  thee  prisoner,  yea,  alive! 

And  send  thee  to  Kaiis — there  thou  wilt  be 

Slain  to  avenge  the  death  of  Saiawush; 

Turin  shall  perish,  and  Afrasiyab, 

And  every  earthly  hope  extinguished  quite." 

Hearing  this  awful  threat,  Piran  turned  pale 

And  shook  with  terror — trembling  like  a  reed; 

And  saying:  "  Go,  I  will  not  fight  with  thee!  " 

But  Giw  asked  fiercely:   "  Why?  "     And  on  he  rushed 

Against  the  foe,  who  fled — but  'twas  in  vain. 

The  kamund  round  the  old  man's  neck  was  thrown, 

And  he  was  taken  captive.    Then  his  troops 

Showered  their  sharp  arrows  on  triumphant  Giw, 

To  free  their  master,  who  was  quickly  brought 

Before  Kai-khosrau,  and  the  kamund  placed 

Within  his  royal  hands.    This  service  done, 

Giw  sped  against  the  Tartars,  and  full  soon 

Defeated  and  dispersed  them. 

On  his  return,  Giw  expressed  his  astonishment  that  Piran 
was  still  alive;  when  Ferangis  interposed,  and  weeping,  said 
how  much  she  had  been  indebted  to  his  interposition  and  the 
most  active  humanity  on  various  occasions,  and  particularly  in 
saving  herself  and  Kai-khosrau  from  the  wrath  of  Afrasiyab 
after  the  death  of  Saiawush.  "  If,"  said  she,  "  after  so  much 
generosity  he  has  committed  one  fault,  let  it  be  forgiven. 

Let  not  the  man  of  many  virtues  die, 

For  being  guilty  of  one  trifling  error. 

Let  not  the  friend  who  nobly  saved  my  life, 

And  more,  the  dearer  life  of  Kai-khosrau, 

Suffer  from  us.     O,  he  must  never,  never, 

Feel  the  sharp  pang  of  foul  ingratitude, 

From  a  true  prince  of  the  Kaianian  race." 

But  Giw  paused,  and  said,  "  I  have  sworn  to  crimson  the 
earth  with  his  blood,  and  I  must  not  pass  from  my  oath." 
Khosrau  then  suggested  to  him  to  pierce  the  lobes  of  Piran's 
ears,  and  drop  the  blood  on  the  ground  to  stain  it,  in  order  that 
he  might  not  depart  from  his  word;  and  this  humane  fraud 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  183 

was  accordingly  committed.  Khosrau  further  interceded ;  and 
instead  of  being  sent  a  captive  to  Kaus,  the  good  old  man  was 
set  at  liberty. 

When  the  particulars  of  this  event  were  described  to  Afra- 
siyab  by  Piran-wisah,  he  was  exceedingly  sorrowful,  and 
lamented  deeply  that  Kai-khosrau  had  so  successfully  effected 
his  escape.  But  he  had  recourse  to  a  further  expedient,  and 
sent  instructions  to  all  the  ferrymen  of  the  Jihun,  with  a 
minute  description  of  the  three  travellers,  to  prevent  their 
passing  that  river,  announcing  at  the  same  time  that  he  himself 
was  in  pursuit  of  them.  Not  a  moment  was  lost  in  preparing 
his  army  for  the  march,  and  he  moved  forward  with  the  utmost 
expedition,  night  and  day.  At  the  period  when  Giw  arrived  on 
the  banks  of  the  Jihun,  the  stream  was  very  rapid  and  for- 
midable, and  he  requested  the  ferrymen  to  produce  their  cer- 
tificates to  show  themselves  equal  to  their  duty.  They  pre- 
tended that  their  certificates  were  lost,  but  demanded  for  their 
fare  the  black  horse  upon  which  Giw  rode.  Giw  replied,  that 
he  could  not  part  with  his  favorite  horse ;  and  they  rejoined, 
"  Then  give  us  the  damsel  who  accompanies  you."  Giw  an- 
swered, and  said,  "  This  is  not  a  damsel,  but  the  mother  of  that 
youth !  " — "  Then,"  observed  they,  "  give  us  the  youth's 
crown."  But  Giw  told  them  that  he  could  not  comply  with 
their  demand ;  yet  he  was  ready  to  reward  them  with  money  to 
any  extent.  The  pertinacious  ferrymen,  who  were  not  anxious 
for  money,  then  demanded  his  armor,  and  this  was  also  re- 
fused; and  such  was  their  independence  or  their  effrontery, 
that  they  replied,  "  If  not  one  of  these  four  things  you  are 
disposed  to  grant,  cross  the  river  as  best  yo'u  may."  Giw  whis- 
pered to  Kai-khosrau,  and  told  him  that  there  was  no  time  for 
delay.  "  When  Kavah,  the  blacksmith,"  said  he,  "  rescued  thy 
great  ancestor,  Feridun,  he  passed  the  stream  in  his  armor  with- 
out impediment ;  and  why  should  we,  in  a  cause  of  equal  glory, 
hesitate  for  a  moment  ?  "  Under  the  inspiring  influence  of  an 
auspicious  omen,  and  confiding  in  the  protection  of  the  Al- 
mighty, Kai-khosrau  at  once  impelled  his  foaming  horse  into 
the  river;  his  mother,  Ferangis,  followed  with  equal  intrepidity, 
and  then  Giw;  and  notwithstanding  the  perilous  passage,  they 
all  successfully  overcame  the  boiling  surge,  and  landed  in 
safety,  to  the  utter  amazement  of  the  ferrymen,  who  of  course 
had  expected  they  would  be  drowned. 


1 84  FIRDUSI 

It  so  happened  that  at  the  moment  they  touched  the  shore, 
Afrasiyab  with  his  army  arrived,  and  had  the  mortification  to 
see  the  fugitives  on  the  other  bank,  beyond  his  reach.  His 
wonder  was  equal  to  his  disappointment. 

"  What  spirits  must  they  have  to  brave 
The  terrors  of  that  boiling  wave — 
With  steed  and  harness,  riding  o'er 
The  billows  to  the  further  shore." 

It  was  a  cheering  sight,  they  say, 
To  see  how  well  they  kept  their  way, 
How  Ferangis  impelled  her  horse 
Across  that  awful  torrent's  course, 
Guiding  him  with  heroic  hand, 
To  reach  unhurt  the  friendly  strand. 

Afrasiyab  continued  for  some  time  mute  with  astonishment 
and  vexation,  and  when  he  recovered,  ordered  the  ferrymen  to 
get  ready  their  boats  to  pass  him  over  the  river ;  but  Human 
dissuaded  him  from  that  measure,  saying  that  they  could  only 
convey  a  few  troops,  and  they  would  doubtless  be  received  by 
a  large  force  of  the  enemy  on  the  other  side.  At  these  words, 
Afrasiyab  seemed  to  devour  his  own  blood  with  grief  and  in- 
dignation, and  immediately  retracing  his  steps,  returned  to 
Turan. 

As  soon  as  Giw  entered  within  the  boundary  of  the  Persian 
empire,  he  poured  out  thanksgivings  to  God  for  his  protection, 
and  sent  intelligence  to  Kaus  of  the  safe  arrival  of  the  party 
in  his  dominions.  The  king  rejoiced  exceedingly,  and  ap- 
pointed an  honorary  deputation  under  the  direction  of  Gudarz, 
to  meet  the  young  prince  on  the  road.  On  first,  seeing  him,  the 
king  moved  forward  to  receive  him  ;  and  weeping  affectionately, 
kissed  his  eyes  and  face,  and  had  a  throne  prepared  for  him 
exactly  like  his  own,  upon  which  he  seated  him;  and  calling 
the  nobles  and  warriors  of  the  land  together,  commanded  them 
to  obey  him.  All  readily  promised  their  allegiance,  excepting 
Tus,  who  left  the  court  in  disgust,  and  repairing  forthwith  to 
the  house  of  Friburz,  one  of  the  sons  of  Kaus,  told  him  that  he 
would  only  pay  homage  and  obedience  to  him,  and  not  to  the 
infant  whom  Giw  had  just  brought  out  of  a  desert.  Next 
day  the  great  men  and  leaders  were  again  assembled  to  declare 
publicly  by  an  official  act  their  fealty  to  Kai-khosrau,  and 
Tus  was  also  invited  to  the  banquet,  which  was  held  on  the 


THE  SHAH   NXMEH  185 

occasion,  but* he  refused  to  go.  Giw  was  deputed  to  repeat  the 
invitation ;  and  he  then  said,  "  I  shall  pay  homage  to  Friburz, 
as  the  heir  to  the  throne,  and  to  no  other. 

"  For  is  he  not  the  son  of  Kai-kaus, 
And  worthy  of  the  regal  crown  and  throne? 
I  want  not  any  of  the  race  of  Poshang — 
None  of  the  proud  Turanian  dynasty — 
Fruitless  has  been  thy  peril,  Giw,  to  bring 
A  silly  child  among  us,  to  defraud 
The  rightful  prince  of  his  inheritance !  " 

Giw,  in  reply,  vindicated  the  character  and  attainments  of 
Khosrau,  but  Tus  was  not  to  be  appeased.  He  therefore  re- 
turned to  his  father  and  communicated  to  him  what  had  oc- 
curred. Gudarz  was  roused  to  great  wrath  by  this  resistance  to 
the  will  of  the  king,  and  at  once  took  twelve  thousand  men  and 
his  seventy-eight  kinsmen,  together  with  Giw,  and  proceeded 
to  support  his  cause  by  force  of  arms.  Tus,  apprised  of  his  in- 
tentions, prepared  to  meet  him,  but  was  reluctant  to  commit 
himself  by  engaging  in  a  civil  war,  and  said,  internally : — 

"  If  I  unsheath  the  sword  of  strife, 

Numbers  on  either  side  will  fall, 
I  would  not  sacrifice  the  life 
Of  one  who  owns  my  sovereign's  thrall. 

My  country  would  abhor  the  deed, 

And  may  I  never  see  the  hour 
When  Persia's  sons  are  doomed  to  bleed, 

But  when  opposed  to  foreign  power. 

The  cause  must  be  both  good  and  true, 

And  if  their  blood  in  war  must  flow, 
Will  it  not  seem  of  brighter  hue, 

When  shed  to  crush  the  Tartar  foe?  " 

Possessing  these  sentiments,  Tus  sent  an  envoy  to  Gudarz, 
suggesting  the  suspension  of  any  hostile  proceedings  until  in- 
formation on  the  subject  had  been  first  communicated  to  the 
king.  Kaus  was  extremely  displeased  with  Gudarz  for  his  pre- 
cipitancy and  folly,  and  directed  both  him  and  Tus  to  repair 
immediately  to  court.  Tus  there  said  frankly,  "  I  now  owe 
honor  and  allegiance  to  king  Kaus ;  but  should  he  happen  to 
lay  aside  the  throne  and  the  diadem,  my  obedience  and  loyalty 
will  be  due  to  Friburz  his  heir,  and  not  to  a  stranger."  To 
this,  Gudarz  replied,  "  Saiawush  was  the  eldest  son  of  the  king, 


1 86  FIRDUSI 

and  unjustly  murdered,  and  therefore  it  becomes  his  majesty  to 
appease  and  rejoice  the  soul  of  the  deceased,  by  putting  Kai- 
khosrau  in  his  place.  Kai-khosrau,  like  Feridun,  is  worthy  of 
empire ;  all  the  nobles  of  the  land  are  of  this  opinion,  excepting 
thyself,  which  must  arise  from  ignorance  and  vanity. 

From  Nauder  certainly  thou  are  descended, 
Not  from  a  stranger,  not  from  foreign  loins; 
But  though  thy  ancestor  was  wise  and  mighty 
Art  thou  of  equal  merit?    No,  not  thou! 
Regarding  Khosrau,  thou  hast  neither  shown 
Reason  nor  sense — but  most  surprising  folly!  " 
To  this  contemptuous  speech,  Tus  thus  replied: 
"  Ungenerous  warrior!  wherefore  thus  employ 
Such  scornful  words  to  me?    Who  art  thou,  pray! 
Who,  but  the  low  descendant  of  a  blacksmith? 
No  Khosrau  claims  thee  for  his  son,  no  chief 
Of  noble  blood;  whilst  I  can  truly  boast 
Kindred  to  princes  of  the  highest  worth, 
And  merit  not  to  be  obscured  by  thee!  " 
To  him  then  Gudarz:  "  Hear  me  for  this  once, 
Then  shut  thy  ears  for  ever.     Need  I  blush 
To  be  the  kinsman  of  the  glorious  Kavah? 
It  is  my  humour  to  be  proud  of  him. 
Although  he  was  a  blacksmith — that  same  man, 
Who,  when  the  world  could  still  boast  of  valour, 
Tore  up  the  name-roll  of  the  fiend  Zohak, 
And  gave  the  Persians  freedom  from  the  fangs 
Of  the  devouring  serpents.     He  it  was, 
Who  raised  the  banner,  and  proclaimed  aloud, 
Freedom  for  Persia!     Need  I  blush  for  him? 
To  him  the  empire  owes  its  greatest  blessing, 
The  prosperous  rule  of  virtuous  Feridun." 
Tus  wrathfully  rejoined:   "  Old  man!   thy  arrow 
May  pierce  an  anvil — mine  can  pierce  the  heart 
Of  the  Kaf  mountain!     If  thy  mace  can  break ' 
A  rock  asunder — mine  can  strike  the  sun! " 

The  anger  of  the  two  heroes  beginning  to  exceed  all  proper 
bounds,  Kaus  commanded  silence ;  when  Gudarz  came  forward, 
and  asked  permission  to  say  one  word  more :  "  Call  Khosrau 
and  Friburz  before  thee,  and  decide  impartially  between  them 
which  is  the  most  worthy  of  sovereignty — let  the  wisest  and 
the  bravest  only  be  thy  successor  to  the  throne  of  Persia." 
Kaus  replied : 

"  The  father  has  no  choice  among  his  children, 
He  loves  them  all  alike — his  only  care 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  187 

Is  to  prevent  disunion;   to  preserve 
Brotherly  kindness  and  respect  among  them." 

After  a  pause,  he  requested  the  attendance  of  Friburz  and 
Khosrau,  and  told  them  that  there  was  a  demon-fortress  in  the 
vicinity  of  his  dominions  called  Bahmen,  from  which  fire  was 
continually  issuing.  "  Go,  each  of  you,"  said  he,  "  against  this 
fortress,  supported  by  an  army  with  which  you  shall  each  be 
equally  provided,  and  the  conqueror  shall  be  the  sovereign  of 
Persia."  Friburz  was  not  sorry  to  hear  of  this  probationary 
scheme,  and  only  solicited  to  be  sent  first  on  the  expedition.  He 
and  Tus  looked  upon  the  task  as  perfectly  easy,  and  promised  to 
be  back  triumphant  in  a  short  time. 

But  when  the  army  reached  that  awful  fort, 

The  ground  seemed  all  in  flames  on  every  side; 

One  universal  fire  raged  round  and  round, 

And  the  hot  wind  was  like  the  scorching  breath 

Which  issues  from  red  furnaces,  where  spirits 

Infernal  dwell.     Full  many  a  warrior  brave, 

And  many  a  soldier  perished  in  that  heat, 

Consumed  to  ashes.     Nearer  to  the  fort 

Advancing,  they  beheld  it  in  mid-air, 

But  not  a  living  thing — nor  gate,  nor  door; 

Yet  they  remained  one  week,  hoping  to  find 

Some  hidden  inlet,  suffering  cruel  loss 

Hour  after  hour — but  none  could  they  descry. 

At  length,  despairing,  they  returned,  worn  out, 

Scorched,  and  half-dead  with  watching,  care,  and  toil. 

And  thus  Friburz  and  Tus,  discomfited 

And  sad,  appeared  before  the  Persian  king. 

Then  was  it  Khosrau' s  turn,  and  him  Kaus 
Despatched  with  Giw,  and  Gudarz,  and  the  troops 
Appointed  for  that  enterprise,  and  blessed  them. 
When  the  young  prince  approached  the  destined  scene 
Of  his  exploit,  he  saw  the  blazing  fort 
Reddening  the  sky  and  earth,  and  well  he  knew 
This-  was  the  work  of  sorcery,  the  spell 
Of  demon-spirits.     In  a  heavenly  dream, 
He  had  been  taught  how  to  destroy  the  charms 
Of  fell  magicians,  and  defy  their  power, 
Though  by  the  devil,  the  devil  himself,  sustained, 
He  wrote  the  name  of  God,  and  piously 
Bound  it  upon  his  javelin's  point,  and  pressed 
Fearlessly  forward,  showing  it  on  high; 
And  Giw  displayed  it  on  the  magic  walls 
Of  that  proud  fortress — breathing  forth  a  prayer 
Craving  the  aid  of  the  Almighty  arm; 


1 88  FIRDUSI 

When  suddenly  the  red  fires  died  away, 

And  all  the  world  was  darkness.     Khosrau's  troops 

Following  the  orders  of  their  prince,  then  shot 

Thick  clouds  of  arrows  from  ten  thousand  bows, 

In  the  direction  of  the  enchanted  tower. 

The  arrows  fell  like  rain,  and  quickly  slew 

A  host  of  demons — presently  bright  light 

Dispelled  the  gloom,  and  as  the  mist  rolled  off 

In  sulphury  circles,  the  surviving  fiends 

Were  seen  in  rapid  flight;  the  fortress,  too, 

Distinctly  shone,  and  its  prodigious  gate, 

Through  which  the  conquerors  passed.     Great  wealth  they  found, 

And  having  sacked  the  place,  Khosrau  erected 

A  lofty  temple,  to  commemorate 

His  name  and  victory  there,  then  back  returned 

Triumphantly  to  gladden  king  Kaus, 

Whose  heart  expanded  at  the  joyous  news. 

The  result  of  Kai-khosrau's  expedition  against  the  enchanted 
castle,  compared  with  that  of  Friburz,  was  sufficient  of  itself  to 
establish  the  former  in  the  king's  estimation,  and  accordingly 
it  was  announced  to  the  princes  and  nobles  and  warriors  of  the 
land,  that  he  should  succeed  to  the  throne,  and  be  crowned  on 
a  fortunate  day.  A  short  time  afterwards  the  coronation  took 
place  with  great  pomp  and  splendor ;  and  Khosrau  conducted 
himself  towards  men  of  every  rank  and  station  with  such  perfect 
kindness  and  benevolence,  that  he  gained  the  affections  of  all 
and  never  failed  daily  to  pay  a  visit  to  his  grandfather  Kaus, 
and  to  familiarize  himself  with  the  affairs  of  the  kingdom  which 
he  was  destined  to  govern. 

Justice  he  spread  with  equal  hand, 
Rooting  oppression  from  the  land; 
And  every  desert,  wood,  and  wild, 
With  early  cultivation  smiled; 
And  every  plain,  with  verdure  clad, 
And  every  Persian  heart  was  glad. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  189 


KAI-KHOSRAU 

THE  tidings  of  Khosrau's  accession  to  the  throne  were 
received  at  Sistan  by  Zal  and  Rustem  with  heartfelt 
pleasure,  and  they  forthwith  hastened  to  court  with 
rich  presents,  to  pay  him  their  homage,  and  congratulate  him 
on  the  occasion  of  his  elevation.  The  heroes  were  met  on  the 
road  with  suitable  honors,  and  Khosrau  embracing  Rustem 
affectionately,  lost  no  time  in  asking  for  his  assistance  in  tak- 
ing vengeance  for  the  death  of  Saiawush.  The  request  was 
no  sooner  made  than  granted,  and  the  champion  having  de- 
livered his  presents,  then  proceeded  with  his  father  Zal  to  wait 
upon  Kaus,  who  prepared  a  royal  banquet,  and  entertained 
Khosrau  and  them  in  the  most  sumptuous  manner.  It  was 
there  agreed  to  march  a  large  army  against  Afrasiyab ;  and  all 
the  warriors  zealously  came  forward  with  their  best  services, 
except  Zal,  who  on  account  of  his  age  requested  to  remain 
tranquilly  in  his  own  province.  Khosrau  said  to  Kaus : 

"  The  throne  can  yield  no  happiness  for  me, 
Nor  can  I  sleep  the  sleep  of  health  and  joy 
Till  I  have  been  revenged  on  that  destroyer. 
The  tyrant  of  Turin;    to  please  the  spirit 
Of  my  poor  butchered  father." 

Kaus,  on  delivering  over  to  him  the  imperial  army,  made 
him  acquainted  with  the  character  and  merits  of  every  individ- 
ual of  importance.  He  appointed  Friburz,  and  a  hundred 
warriors,  who  were  the  prince's  friends  and  relatives,  to  situa- 
tions of  trust  and  command,  and  Tus  was  among  them.  Gu- 
darz  and  his  seventy-eight  sons  and  grandsons  were  placed  on 
the  right,  and  Gustahem,  the  brother  of  Tus,  with  an  immense 
levy  on  the  left.  There  were  also  close  to  Khosrau's  person, 
in  the  centre  of  the  hosts,  thirty-three  warriors  of  the  race  of 
Poshang,  and  a  separate  guard  under  Byzun. 

In  their  progress  Khosrau  said  to  Friburz  and  Tus,  "  Ferud, 
who  is  my  brother,  has  built  a  strong  fort  in  Bokhara,  called 
Kullab,  which  stands  on  the  way  to  the  enemy,  and  there  he 
resides  with  his  mother,  Gulshaher.  Let  him  not  be  molested, 
for  he  is  also  the  son  of  Saiawush,  but  pass  on  one  side  of  his 


190 


FIRDUSI 


possessions."  Friburz  did  pass  on  one  side  as  requested ;  but 
Tus,  not  liking  to  proceed  by  the  way  of  the  desert,  and  prefer- 
ring a  cultivated  and  pleasant  country,  went  directly  on  through 
the  places  which  led  to  the  very  fort  in  question.  When  Ferud 
was  informed  of  the  approach  of  Tus  with  an  armed  force,  he 
naturally  concluded  that  he  was  coming  to  fight  him,  and  con- 
sequently determined  to  oppose  his  progress.  Tus,  however, 
sent  Riii,  his  son-in-law,  to  explain  to  Ferud  that  he  had  no 
quarrel  or  business  with  him,  and  only  wished  to  pass  peacea- 
bly through  his  province ;  but  Ferud  thought  this  was  merely 
an  idle  pretext,  and  proceeding  to  hostilities,  Riu  was  killed  by 
him  in  the  conflict  that  ensued.  Tus,  upon  being  informed  of 
this  result,  drew  up  his  army,  and  besieged  the  fort  into  which 
Ferud  had  precipitately  retired.  When  Ferud,  however,  found 
that  Tus  himself  was  in  the  field,  he  sallied  forth  from  his  fast- 
ness, and  assailed  him  with  his  bow  and  arrows.  One  of  the 
darts  struck  and  killed  the  horse  of  Tus,  and  tumbled  his  rider 
to  the  ground.  Upon  this  occurrence  Giw  rushed  forward  in 
the  hopes  of  capturing  the  prince ;  but  it  so  happened  that  he 
was  unhorsed  in  the  same  way.  Byzun,  the  son  of  Giw,  seeing 
with  great  indignation  this  signal  overthrow,  wished  to  be 
revenged  on  the  victor;  and  though  his  father  endeavored  to 
restrain  him,  nothing  could  control  his  wrath.  He  sprung 
speedily  forward  to  fulfil  his  menace,  but  by  the  bravery  and 
expertness  of  Ferud,  his  horse  was  killed,  and  he  too  was 
thrown  headlong  from  his  saddle.  Unsubdued,  however,  he 
rose  upon  his  feet,  and  invited  his  antagonist  to  single  combat. 
In  consequence  of  this  challenge,  they  fought  a  short  time  with 
spears  till  Ferud  deemed  it  advisable  to  retire  into  his  fort, 
from  the  lofty  walls  of  which  he  cast  down  so  many  stones,  that 
Byzun  was  desperately  wounded,  and  compelled  to  leave  the 
place.  When  he  informed  Tus  of  the  misfortune  which  had 
befallen  him,  that  warrior  vowed  that  on  the  following  day  not 
a  man  should  remain  alive  in  the  fort.  The  mother  of  Ferud, 
who  was  the  daughter  of  Wisah,  had  at  this  period  a  dream 
which  informed  her  that  the  fortress  had  taken  fire,  and  that 
the  whole  of  the  inhabitants  had  been  consumed  to  death. 
This  dream  she  communicated  to  Ferud,  who  said  in  reply: — 

"  Mother!   I  have  no  dread  of  death; 
What  is  there  in  this  vital  breath? 
My  sire  was  wounded,  and  he  died; 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  191 

And  fate  may  lay  me  by  his  side! 
Was  ever  man  immortal? — never! 
We  cannot,  mother,  live  for  ever. 
Mine  be  the  task  in  life  to  claim 
In  war  a  bright  and  spotless  name. 
What  boots  it  to  be  pale  with  fear, 
And  dread  each  grief  that  waits  us  here? 
Protected  by  the  power  divine, 
Our  lot  is  written — why  repine?  " 

Tus,  according  to  his  threat,  attacked  the  fort,  and  burst 
open  the  gates.  Feriid  defended  himself  with  great  valor  against 
Byzun;  and  whilst  they  were  engaged  in  deadly  battle,  Bah- 
ram,  the  hero,  sprang  up  from  his  ambuscade,  and  striking 
furiously  upon  the  head  of  Feriid,  killed  that  unfortunate 
youth  on  the  spot.  The  mother,  the  beautiful  Gulshaher,  see- 
ing what  had  befallen  her  son,  rushed  out  of  the  fort  in  a  state 
of  frenzy,  and  flying  to  him,  clasped  him  in  her  arms  in  an 
agony  of  grief.  Unable  to  survive  his  loss,  she  plunged  a  dag- 
ger in  her  own  breast,  and  died  at  his  feet.  The  Persians  then 
burst  open  the  gates,  and  plundered  the  city.  Bahram,  when  he 
saw  what  had  been  done,  reproached  Tus  with  being  the  cause 
of  this  melancholy  tragedy,  and  asked  him  what  account  he 
would  give  of  his  conduct  to  Kai-khosrau.  Tus  was  extreme- 
ly concerned,  and  remaining  three  days  at  that  place,  erected  a 
lofty  monument  to  the  memory  of  the  unfortunate  youth,  and 
scented  it  with  musk  and  camphor.  He  then  pushed  forward 
his  army  to  attack  another  fort.  That'fort  gave  way,  the  com- 
mandant being  killed  in  the  attack ;  and  he  then  hastened  on 
toward  Afrasiyab,  who  had  ordered  Nizad  with  thirty  thousand 
horsemen  to  meet  him.  Byzun  distinguished  himself  in  the 
contest  which  followed,  but  would  have  fallen  into  the  hands 
of  the  enemy  if  he  had  not  been  rescued  by  his  men,  and  con- 
veyed from  the  field  of  battle.  Afrasiyab  pushed  forward 
another  force  of  forty  thousand  horsemen  under  Piran-wisah, 
who  suffered  considerable  loss  in  an  engagement  with  Giw; 
and  in  consequence  fell  back  for  the  purpose  of  retrieving  him- 
-self  by  a  shubkhun,  or  night  attack.  The  resolution  proved 
to  be  a  good  one ;  for  when  night  came  on,  the  Persians  were 
found  off  their  guard,  many  of  them  being  intoxicated,  and 
the  havoc  and  destruction  committed  among  them  by  the  Tar- 
tars was  dreadful.  The  survivors  were  in  a  miserable  state  of 
despondency,  but  it  was  not  till  morning  dawned  that  Tus  be- 


I92  FIRDUSI 

held  the  full  extent  of  his  defeat  and  the  ruin  that  surrounded 
him.  When  Kai-khosrau  heard  of  this  heavy  reverse,  he 
wrote  to  Friburz,  saying,  "  I  warned  Tus  not  to  proceed  by  the 
way  of  Kullab,  because  my  brother  and  his  mother  dwelt  in 
that  place,  and  their  residence  ought  to  have  been  kept  sacred. 
He  has  not  only  despised  my  orders,  but  he  has  cruelly  occa- 
sioned the  untimely  death  of  both.  Let  him  be  bound,  and 
sent  to  me  a  prisoner,  and  do  thou  assume  the  command  of  the 
army."  Friburz  accordingly  placed  Tus  in  confinement,  and 
sent  him  to  Khosrau,  who  received  and  treated  him  with  re- 
proaches and  wrath,  and  consigned  him  to  a  dungeon.  He 
then  wrote  to  Piran,  reproaching  him  for  resorting  to  a  night 
attack  so  unworthy  of  a  brave  man,  and  challenging  him  to 
resume  the  battle  with  him.  Piran  said  that  he  would  meet 
him  after  the  lapse  of  a  month,  and  at  the  expiration  of  that 
period  both  armies  were  opposed  to  each  other.  The  contest 
commenced  with  arrows,  then  swords,  and  then  with  javelins ; 
and  Giw  and  Byzun  were  the  foremost  in  bearing  down  the 
warriors  of  the  enemy,  who  suffered  so  severely  that  they 
turned  aside  to  attack  Friburz,  against  whom  they  hoped  to  be 
more  successful.  The  assault  which  they  made  was  over- 
whelming, and  vast  numbers  were  slain,  so  that  Friburz,  find- 
ing himself  driven  to  extremity,  was  obliged  to  shelter  himself 
and  his  remaining  troops  on  the  skirts  of  a  mountain.  In  the 
meantime  Gudarz  and  Giw  determined  to  keep  their  ground  or 
perish,  and  sent  Byzun  to  Friburz  to  desire  him  to  join  them, 
or  if  that  was  impracticable,  to  save  the  imperial  banner  by 
despatching  it  to  their  care.  To  this  message,  Friburz  replied  : 
"  The  traitors  are  triumphant  over  me  on  every  side,  and  I 
cannot  go,  nor  will  I  give  up  the  imperial  banner,  but,  tell 
Gudarz  to  come  to  my  aid."  Upon  receiving  this  answer, 
Byzun  struck  the  standard-bearer  dead,  and  snatching  up  the 
Derafsh  Gavahni,  conveyed  it  to  Gudarz,  who,  raising  it  on 
high,  directed  his  troops  against  the  enemy ;  and  so  impetuous 
was  the  charge,  that  the  carnage  on  both  sides  was  prodigious. 
Only  eight  of  the  sons  of  Gudarz  remained  alive,  seventy  of  his 
kindred  having  been  slain  on  that  day,  and  many  of  the  family 
of  Kaus  were  also  killed.  Nor  did  the  relations  of  Afrasiyab 
and  Piran  suffer  in  a  less  degree,  nine  hundred  of  them,  war- 
riors and  cavaliers,  were  sent  out  of  the  world;  yet  victory 
remained  with  the  Turanians. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  !93 

When  Afrasiyab  was  informed  of  the  result  of  this  battle,  he 
sent  presents  and  honorary  dresses  to  his  officers,  saying,  "  We 
must  not  be  contented  with  this  triumph ;  you  have  yet  to  ob- 
scure the  martial  glory  of  Rustem  and  Khosrau."  Piran  re- 
plied, "  No  doubt  that  object  will  be  accomplished  with  equal 
facility." 

After  the  defeat  of  the  Persian  army,  Friburz  retired  under 
the  cover  of  night,  and  at  length  arrived  at  the  court  of  Khos- 
rau, who  was  afflicted  with  the  deepest  sorrow,  both  on  account 
of  his  loss  in  battle  and  the  death  of  his  brother  Ferud.  Rus- 
tem was  now  as  usual  applied  to  for  the  purpose  of  consoling 
the  king,  and  extricating  the  empire  from  its  present  misfort- 
unes. Khosrau  was  induced  to  liberate  Tus  from  his  confine- 
ment, and  requested  Rustem  to  head  the  army  against  Piran, 
but  Tus  offered  his  services,  and  the  champion  observed,  "  He 
is  fully  competent  to  oppose  the  arms  of  Piran ;  but  if  Afrasiyab 
takes  the  field,  I  will  myself  instantly  follow  to  the  war." 
Khosrau  accordingly  deputed  Tus  and  Gudarz  with  a  large 
army,  and  the  two  hostile  powers  were  soon  placed  in  opposi- 
tion to  each  other.  It  is  said  that  they  were  engaged  seven 
days  and  nights,  and  that  on  the  eighth  Human  came  forward, 
and  challenged  several  warriors  to  fight  singly,  all  of  whom 
he  successively  slew.  He  then  called  upon  Tus,  but  Gudarz 
not  permitting  him  to  accept  the  challenge,  sent  Giw  in  his 
stead.  The  combatants  met;  and  after  being  wounded  and 
exhausted  by  their  struggles  for  mastery,  each  returned  to  his 
own  post.  The  armies  again  engaged  with  arrows,  and  again 
the  carnage  was  great,  but  the  battle  remained  undecided. 

Piran  had  now  recourse  to  supernatural  agency,  and  sent 
Baru,  a  renowned  magician,  perfect  in  his  art,  upon  the  neigh- 
boring mountains,,  to  involve  them  in  darkness,  and  produce 
by  his  conjuration  tempestuous  showers  of  snow  and  hail.  He 
ordered  him  to  direct  all  their  intense  severity  against  the 
enemy,  and  to  avoid  giving  any  annoyance  to  the  Turanian 
army.  Accordingly  when  Human  and  Piran-wisah  made 
their  attack,  they  had  the  co-operation  of  the  elements,  and  the 
consequence  was  a  desperate  overthrow  of  the  Persian  army. 

So  dreadful  was  the  carnage,  that  the  plain 

Was  crimsoned  with  the  blood  of  warriors  slain. 

VOL.  I.— 13 


194 


FIRDUSI 


In  this  extremity,  Tus  and  Gudarz  piously  put  up  a  prayer 
to  God,  earnestly  soliciting  protection  from  the  horrors  with 
which  they  were  surrounded. 

O  Thou !   the  clement,  the  compassionate, 

We  are  thy  servants,  succor  our  distress, 

And  save  us  from  the  sorcery  that  now 

Yields  triumph  to  the  foe.     In  thee  alone 

We  place  our  trust;    graciously  hear  our  prayer! 

Scarcely  had  this  petition  been  uttered,  when  a  mysterious 
person  appeared  to  Reham  from  the  invisible  world,  and 
pointed  to  the  mountain  from  whence  the  tempest  descended. 
Reham  immediately  attended  to  the  sign,  and  galloped  for- 
ward to  the  mountain,  where  he  discovered  the  magician  upon 
its  summit,  deeply  engaged  in  incantations  and  witchcraft. 
Forthwith  he  drew  his  sword  and  cut  off  this  wizard's  arms. 
Suddenly  a  whirlwind  arose,  which  dissipated  the  utter  dark- 
ness that  prevailed ;  and  then  nothing  remained  of  the  preter- 
natural gloom,  not  a  particle  of  the  hail  or  snow  was  to  be 
seen :  Reham,  however,  brought  him  down  from  the  mountain 
and  after  presenting  him  before  Tus,  put  an  end  to  his  wicked 
existence.  The  armies  were  now  on  a  more  equal  footing: 
they  beheld  more  clearly  the  ravages  that  had  been  committed 
by  each,  and  each  had  great  need  of  rest.  They  accordingly 
retired  till  the  following  day,  and  then  again  opposed  each 
other  with  renewed  vigor  and  animosity.  But  fortune  would 
not  smile  on  the  exertions  of  the  Persian  hosts,  they  being 
obliged  to  fall  back  upon  the  mountain  Hamawun,  and  in  the 
fortress  situated  there  Tus  deposited  all  his  sick  and  wounded, 
continuing  himself  in  advance  to  ensure  their1  protection.  Pi- 
ran  seeing  this,  ordered  his  troops  to  besiege  the  place  where 
Tus  had  posted  himself.  This  was  objected  to  by  Human,  but 
Piran  was  resolved  upon  the  measure,  and  had  several  conflicts 
with  the  enemy  without  obtaining  any  advantage  over  them. 
In  the  mountain-fortress  there  happened  to  be  wells  of  water 
and  abundance  of  grain  and  provisions,  so  that  the  Persians 
were  in  no  danger  of  being  reduced  by  starvation.  Khosrau, 
however,  being  informed  of  their  situation,  sent  Rustem,  ac- 
companied by  Friburz,  to  their  assistance,  and  they  were  both 
welcomed,  and  received  with  rejoicing,  and  cordial  satisfaction. 
The  fortress  gates  were  thrown  open,  and  Rustem  WAS  pres- 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  195 

ently  seen  seated  upon  a  throne  in  the  public  hall,  deliberating 
on  the  state  of  affairs,  surrounded  by  the  most  distinguished 
leaders  of  the  army. 

In  the  meanwhile  Piran-wisah  had  written  to  Afrasiyab, 
informing  him  that  he  had  reduced  the  Persian  army  to  great 
distress,  had  forced  them  to  take  refuge  in  a  mountain  fort,  and 
requested  a  further  reinforcement  to  complete  the  victory,  and 
make  them  all  prisoners.  Afrasiyab  in  consequence  des- 
patched three  illustrious  confederates  from  different  regions. 
There  was  Shinkul  of  Sugsar,  the  Khakan  of  Chin,  whose 
crown  was  the  starry  heavens,  and  Kamus  of  Kushan,  a  hero 
of  high  renown  and  wondrous  in  every  deed. 

For  when  he  frowned,  the  air  grew  freezing  cold; 
And  when  he  smiled,  the  genial  spring  showered  down 
Roses  and  hyacinths,  and  all  was  brightness! 

Piran  went  first  to  pay  a  visit  to  Kamus,  to  whom  he,  almost 
trembling,  described  the  amazing  strength  and  courage  of 
Rustem:  but  Kamus  was  too  powerful  to  express  alarm;  on 
the  contrary,  he  said : 

"  Is  praise  like  this  to  Rustem  due  ? 
And  what,  if  all  thou  say'st  be  true? 
Are  his  large  limbs  of  iron  made? 
Will  they  resist  my  trenchant  blade? 
His  head  may  now  his  shoulders  grace, 
But  will  it  long  retain  its  place? 
Let  me  but  meet  him  in  the  fight, 
And  thou  shalt  see  Kamus's  might!  " 

Piran's  spirits  rose  at  this  bold  speech,  and  encouraged  by 
its  effects,  he  repaired  to  the  Khakan  of  Chin,  with  whom  he 
settled  the  necessary  arrangements  for  commencing  battle  on 
the  following  day.  Early  in  the  morning  the  different  armies 
under  Kamus,  the  Khakan,  and  Piran-wisah,  were  drawn  out, 
and  Rustem  was  also  prepared  with  the  troops  under  his  com- 
mand for  the  impending  conflict.  He  saw  that  the  force  ar- 
rayed against  him  was  prodigious,  and  most  tremendous  in 
aspect ;  and  offering  a  prayer  to  the  Creator,  he  plunged  into 

the  battle. 

'Twas  at  mid-day  the  strife  began, 
With  steed  to  steed  and  man  to  man; 
The  clouds  of  dust  which  rolled  on  high, 
Threw  darkness  o'er  the  earth  and  sky. 


196  FIRDUSI 

Each  soldier  on  the  other  rushed, 
And  every  blade  with  crimson  blushed; 
And  valiant  hearts  were  trod  upon, 

Like  sand  beneath  the  horse's  feet, 
And  when  the  warrior's  life  was  gone, 

His  mail  became  his  winding  sheet. 

The  first  leader  who  advanced  conspicuously  from  among 
the  Tartar  army  was  Ushkabus,  against  whom  Reham  boldly 
opposed  himself;  but  after  a  short  conflict,  in  which  he  had 
some  difficulty  in  defending  his  life  from  the  assaults  of  his 
antagonist,  he  thought  it  prudent  to  retire.  When  Ushkabus 
saw  this  he  turned  round  with  the  intention  of  rejoining  his 
own  troops;  but  Rustem  having  witnessed  the  triumph  over 
his  friend,  sallied  forth  on  foot,  taking  up  his  bow,  and  placing 
a  few  arrows  in  his  girdle,  and  asked  him  whither  he  was 
going. 

Astonished,  Ushkabus  cried,  "  Who  art  thou? 

What  kindred  hast  thou  to  lament  thy  fall?  " 

Rustem  replied: — "  Why  madly  seek  to  know 

That  which  can  never  yield  thee  benefit? 

My  name  is  death  to  thee,  thy  hour  is  come!  " 

"  Indeed!   and  thou  on  foot,  mid  mounted  warriors, 

To  talk  so  bravely!  " — "  Yes,"  the  champion  said; 

"  And  hast  thou  never  heard  of  men  on  foot, 

Who  conquered  horsemen?    I  am  sent  by  Tus, 

To  take  for  him  the  horse  of  Ushkabus." 

"  What!  and  unarmed?  "  inquired  the  Tartar  chief; 

"  No! "  cried  the  champion,  "  Mark,  my  bow  and  arrow! 

Mark,  too,  with  what  effect  they  may  be  used!  " 

So  saying,  Rustem  drew  the  string,  and  straight 

The  arrow  flew,  and  faithful  to  its  aim, 

Struck  dead  the  foeman's  horse.    This  done,  he  "laughed, 

But  Ushkabus  was  wroth,  and  showered  upon 

His  bold  antagonist  his  quivered  store — 

Then  Rustem  raised  his  bow,  with  eager  eye 

Choosing  a  dart,  and  placed  it  on  the  string, 

A  thong  of  elk-skin;   to  his  ear  he  drew 

The  feathered  notch,  and  when  the  point  had  touched 

The  other  hand,  the  bended  horn  recoiled, 

And  twang  the  arrow  sped,  piercing  the  breast 

Of  Ushkabus,  who  fell  a  lifeless  corse, 

As  if  he  never  had  been  born!     Erect, 

And  firm,  the  champion  stood  upon  the  plain, 

Towering  like  mount  Alberz,  immovable, 

The  gaze  and  wonder  of  the  adverse  host! 


THE   SH/H    NAMEH  197 

When  Rustem,  still  unknown  to  the  Turanian  forces,  re- 
turned to  his  own  army,  the  Tartars  carried  away  the  body  of 
Ushkabus,  and  took  it  to  the  Khakan  of  Chin,  who  ordered  the 
arrow  to  be  drawn  out  before  him ;  and  when  he  and  Kamus 
saw  how  deeply  it  had  penetrated,  and  that  the  feathered  end 
was  wet  with  blood,  they  were  amazed  at  the  immense  power 
which  had  driven  it  from  the  bow ;  they  had  never  witnessed 
or  heard  of  anything  so  astonishing.  The  fight  was,  in  conse- 
quence, suspended  till  the  following  day.  The  Khakan  of 
Chin  then  inquired  who  was  disposed  or  ready  to  be  revenged 
on  the  enemy  for  the  death  of  Ushkabus,  when  Kamus  ad- 
vanced, and,  soliciting  permission,  urged  forward  his  horse  to 
the  middle  of  the  plain.  He  then  called  aloud  for  Rustem,  but 
a  Kabul  hero,  named  Alwund,  a  pupil  of  Rustem's,  asked  his 
master's  permission  to  oppose  the  challenger,  which  being 
granted,  he  rushed  headlong  to  the  combat.  Luckless  how- 
ever were  his  efforts,  for  he  was  soon  overthrown  and  slain,  and 
then  Rustem  appeared  in  arms  before  the  conqueror,  who 
hearing  his  voice,  cried :  "  Why  this  arrogance  and  clamor ! 
I  am  not  like  Ushkabus,  a  trembler  in  thy  presence."  Rustem 
replied : 

"  When  the  lion  sees  his  prey, 
Sees  the  elk-deer  cross  his  way, 
Roars  he  not?    The  very  ground 
Trembles  at  the  dreadful  sound. 
And  art  thou  from  terror  free, 
When  opposed  in  fight  to  me?  " 

Kamus  now  examined  him  with  a  stern  eye,  and  was  satisfied 
that  he  had  to  contend  against  a  powerful  warrior:  he  there- 
fore with  the  utmost  alacrity  threw  his  kamund,  which  Rus- 
tem avoided,  but  it  fell  over  the  head  of  his  horse  Rakush. 
Anxious  to  extricate  himself  from  this  dilemma,  Rustem  dex- 
terously caught  hold  of  one  end  of  the  kamund,  whilst  Kamus 
dragged  and  strained  at  the  other ;  and  so  much  strength  was 
applied  that  the  line  broke  in  the  middle,  and  Kamus  in  conse- 
quence tumbled  backwards  to  the  ground.  The  boaster  had 
almost  succeeded  in  remounting  his  horse,  when  he  was  se- 
cured round  the  neck  by  Rustem's  own  kamund,  and  conveyed 
a  prisoner  to  the  Persian  army,  where  he  was  put  to  death ! 

The  fate  of  Kamus  produced  a  deep  sensation  among  the 
Turanians,  and  Piran-wisah,  partaking  of  the  general  alarm, 


198  FIRDUSI 

and  thinking  it  impossible  to  resist  the  power  of  Rustem,  pro- 
posed to  retire  from  the  contest,  but  the  Khakan  of  Chin  was 
of  a  different  opinion,  and  offered  himself  to  remedy  the  evil 
which  threatened  them  all.  Moreover  the  warrior,  Chingush, 
volunteered  to  fight  with  Rustem ;  and  having  obtained  the 
Khakan's  permission,  he  took  the  field,  and  boldly  challenged 
the  champion.  Rustem  received  the  foe  with  a  smiling  coun- 
tenance, and  the  struggle  began  with  arrows.  After  a  smart 
attack  on  both  sides,  Chingush  thought  it  prudent  to  fly  from 
the  overwhelming  force  of  Rustem,  who,  however,  steadily  pur- 
sued him,  and  adroitly  seizing  the  horse  by  the  tail,  hurled  him 
from  his  saddle. 

He  grasped  the  charger's  flowing  tail, 
And  all  were  struck  with  terror  pale, 
To  see  a  sight  so  strange;   the  foe, 
Dismounted  by  one  desperate  blow; 
The  captive  asked  for  life  in  vain, 
His  recreant  blood  bedewed  the  plain. 
His  head  was  from  his  shoulders  wrung, 
His  body  to  the  vultures  flung. 

Rustem,  after  this  exploit,  invited  some  other  hero  to  single 
combat ;  but  at  the  moment  not  one  replied  to  his  challenge. 
At  last  Human  came  forward,  not  however  to  fight,  but  to 
remonstrate,  and  make  an  effort  to  put  an  end  to  the  war  which 
threatened  total  destruction  to  his  country.  "  Why  such  bit- 
ter enmity?  why  such  a  whirlwind  of  resentment?"  said  he; 
"  to  this  I  ascribe  the  calamities  under  which  we  suffer ;  but  is 
there  no  way  by  which  this  sanguinary  career  of  vengeance 
can  be  checked  or  moderated  ?  "  Rustem,  in  answer,  enumer- 
ated the  aggressions  and  the  crimes  of  Afrasiyab,  and  espe- 
cially dwelt  on  the  atrocious  murder  of  Saiawush,  which  he 
declared  could  never  be  pardoned.  Human  wished  to  know 
his  name;  but  Rustem  refused  to  tell  him,  and  requested  Piran- 
wisah  might  be  sent  to  him,  to  whom  he  would  communicate 
his  thoughts,  and  the  secrets  of  his  heart  freely.  Human  ac- 
cordingly returned,  and  informed  Piran  of  the  champion's 
wishes. 

"  This  must  be  Rustem,  stronger  than  the  pard, 

The  lion,  or  the  Egyptian  crocodile, 

Or  fell  Iblis;    dreams  never  painted  hero 

Half  so  tremendous  on  the  battle  plain." 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  199 

The  old  man  said  to  him : 

"  If  this  be  Rustem,  then  the  time  has  come, 
Dreaded  so  long — for  what  but  fire  and  sword, 
Can  now  await  us?    Every  town  laid  waste, 
Soldier  and  peasant,  husband,  wife,  and  child, 
Sharing  the  miseries  of  a  ravaged  land!  " 

With  tears  in  his  eyes  and  a  heavy  heart,  Piran  repaired  to 
the  Khakan,  who,  after  some  discussion,  permitted  him  in 
these  terms  to  go  and  confer  with  Rustem. 

"  Depart  then  speedful  on  thy  embassy, 
And  if  he  seeks  for  peace,  adjust  the  terms, 
And  presents  to  be  sent  us.     If  he  talks 
Of  war  and  vengeance,  and  is  clothed  in  mail, 
No  sign  of  peace,  why  we  must  trust  in  Heaven 
For  strength  to  crush  his  hopes  of  victory. 
He  is  not  formed  of  iron,  nor  of  brass, 
But  flesh  and  blood,  with  human  nerves  and  hair, 
He  does  not  in  the  battle  tread  the  clouds, 
Nor  can  he  vanish,  like  the  demon  race — 
Then  why  this  sorrow,  why  these  marks  of  grief? 
He  is  not  stronger  than  an  elephant; 
Not  he,  but  I  will  show  him  what  it  is 
To  fight  or  gambol  with  an  elephant! 
Besides,  for  every  man  his  army  boasts, 
We  have  three  hundred — wherefore  then  be  sad?  " 

Notwithstanding  these  expressions  of  confidence,  Piran's 
heart  was  full  of  alarm  and  terror ;  but  he  hastened  to  the  Per- 
sian camp,  and  made  himself  known  to  the  champion  of  the 
host,  who  frankly  said,  after  he  had  heard  Piran's  name,  "  I 
am  Rustem  of  Zabul,  armed  as  thou  seest  for  battle !  "  Upon 
which  Piran  respectfully  dismounted,  and  paid  the  usual  hom- 
age to  his  illustrious  rank  and  distinction.  Rustem  said  to 
him,  "  I  bring  thee  the  blessings  of  Kai-khosrau  and  Ferangis, 
his  mother,  who  nightly  see  thy  face  in  their  dreams." 

"  Blessings  from  me,  upon  that  royal  youth !  " 
Exclaimed  the  good  old  man.     "  Blessings  on  her, 
The  daughter  of  Afrasiyab,  his  mother, 
Who  saved  my  life — and  blessings  upon  thee, 
Thou  matchless  hero!    Thou  hast  come  for  vengeance, 
In  the  dear  name  of  gallant  Saiawush, 
Of  Saiawush,  the  husband  of  my  child, 
(The  beautiful  Gulshaher),  of  him  who  loved  me 


200  FIRDUSI 

As  I  had  been  his  father.     His  brave  son, 

Ferud,  was  slaughtered,  and  his  mother  too, 

And  Khosrau  was  his  brother,  now  the  king, 

By  whom  he  fell,  or  if  not  by  his  sword, 

Whose  was  the  guilty  hand?    Has  punishment 

Been  meted  to  the  offender?    I  protected, 

In  mine  own  house,  the  princess  Ferangis; 

And  when  her  son  was  born,  Kai-khosrau,  still 

I.  at  the  risk  of  my  existence,  kept  them 

Safe  from  the  fury  of  Afrasiyab, 

Who  would  have  sacrificed  the  child,  or  bothl 

And  night  and  day  I  watched  them,  till  the  hour 

When  they  escaped  and  crossed  the  boundary-stream. 

Enough  of  this!     Now  let  us  speak  of  peace, 

Since  the  confederates  in  this  mighty  war 

Are  guiltless  of  the  blood  of  Saiawush!  " 

Rustem,  in  answer  to  Piran,  observed,  that  in  negotiating 
the  terms  of  pacification,  several  important  points  were  to  be 
considered,  and  several  indispensable  matters  to  be  attended 
to.  No  peace  could  be  made  unless  the  principal  actors  in 
the  bloody  tragedy  of  Saiawush's  death  were  first  given  up, 
particularly  Gersiwaz ;  vast  sums  of  money  were  also  required 
to  be  presented  to  the  king  of  kings ;  and,  moreover,  Rustem 
said  he  would  disdain  making  peace  at  all,  but  that  it  enabled 
Piran  to  do  service  to  Kai-khosrau.  Piran  saw  the  difficulty 
of  acceding  to  these  demands,  but  he  speedily  laid  them  before 
the  Khakan,  who  consulted  his  confederates  on  the  subject, 
and  after  due  consideration,  their  pride  and  shame  resisted  the 
overtures,  which  they  thought  ignominious.  Shinkul,  a  king 
of  Ind,  was  a  violent  opposer  of  the  terms,  and  declared  against 
peace  on  any  such  conditions.  Several  other  warriors  ex- 
pressed their  readiness  to  contend  against  Rustem,  and  they 
flattered  themselves  that  by  a  rapid  succession  of  attacks,  one 
after  the  other,  they  would  easily  overpower  him.  The  Kha- 
kan was  pleased  with  this  conceit  and  permitted  Shinkul  to 
begin  the  struggle.  Accordingly  he  entered  the  plain,  and 
summoned  Rustem  to  renew  the  fight.  The  champion  came 
and  struck  him  with  a  spear,  which,  penetrating  his  breast, 
threw  him  off  his  horse  to  the  ground.  The  dagger  was  al- 
ready raised  to  finish  his  career,  but  he  sprang  on  his  feet,  and 
quickly  ran  away  to  tell  his  misfortune  to  the  Khakan  of  Chin. 

And  thus  he  cried,  in  look  forlorn, 
"  This  foe  is  not  of  mortal  born; 


THE   SHA*H    NAMEH  20; 

A  furious  elephant  in  fight, 

A  very  mountain  to  the  sight; 

No  warrior  of  the  human  race, 

That  ever  wielded  spear  or  mace, 

Alone  this  dragon  could  withstand, 

Or  live  beneath  his  conquering  brand!  " 

The  Khakan  reminded  him  how  different  were  his  feelings 
and  sentiments  in  the  morning,  and  having  asked  him  what  he 
now  proposed  to  do,  he  said  that  without  a  considerable  force  it 
would  be  useless  to  return  to  the  field ;  five  thousand  men  were 
therefore  assigned  to  him,  and  with  them  he  proceeded  to  en- 
gage the  champion.  Rustem  had  also  been  joined  by  his  val- 
iant companions,  and  a  general  battle  ensued.  The  heavens 
were  obscured  by  the  dust  which  ascended  from  the  tramp  of 
the  horses,  and  the  plain  was  crimsoned  with  the  blood  of  the 
slain.  In  the  midst  of  the  contest,  Sawa,  a  relation  of  Kamus, 
burst  forward  and  sought  to  be  revenged  on  Rustem  for  the 
fate  of  his  friend.  The  champion  raised  his  battle-axe,  and 
giving  Rakush  the  rein,  with  one  blow  of  his  mace  removed 
him  to  the  other  world.  No  sooner  had  he  killed  this  as- 
sailant than  he  was  attacked  by  another  of  the  kindred  of 
Kamus,  named  Kahar,  whom  he  also  slew,  and  thus  humbled 
the  pride  of  the  Kushanians.  Elated  with  his  success,  and 
having  further  displayed  his  valor  among  the  enemy's  troops, 
he  vowed  that  he  would  now  encounter  the  Khakan  himself, 
and  despoil  him  of  all  his  pomp  and  treasure.  For  this  pur- 
pose he  selected  a  thousand  horsemen,  and  thus  supported, 
approached  the  kulubgah,  or  headquarters  of  the  monarch  of 
Chin.  The  clamor  of  the  cavalry,  and  the  clash  of  spears  and 
swords,  resounded  afar.  The  air  became  as  dark  as  the  visage 
of  an  Ethiopian,  and  the  field  was  covered  with  several  heads, 
broken  armor,  and  the  bodies  of  the  slain.  Amidst  the  con- 
flict Rustem  called  aloud  to  the  Khakan: — 

"  Surrender  to  my  arms  those  elephants, 
That  ivory  throne,  that  crown,  and  chain  of  gold; 
Fit  trophies  for  Kai-khosrau,  Persia's  king; 
For  what  hast  thou  to  do  with  diadem 
And  sovereign  power!    My  noose  shall  soon  secure  thee, 
And  I  will  send  thee  living  to  his  presence; 
Since,  looking  on  my  valour  and  my  strength, 
Life  is  enough  to  grant  thee.     If  thou  wilt  not 
Resign  thy  crown  and  throne — thy  doom  is  sealed." 


202  FIRDUSI 

The  Khakan,  filled  with  indignation  at  these  haughty  words, 
cautioned  Rustem  to  parry  off  his  own  danger,  and  then  com- 
manded his  troops  to  assail  the  enemy  with  a  shower  of  arrows. 
The  attack  was  so  tremendous  and  terrifying,  even  beyond  the 
picturings  of  a  dream,  that  Gudarz  was  alarmed  for  the  safety 
of  Rustem,  and  sent  Reham  and  Giw  to  his  aid.  Rustem  said 
to  Reham : — "  I  fear  that  my  horse  Rakush  is  becoming  weary 
of  exertion,  in  which  case  what  shall  I  do  in  this  conflict  with 
the  enemy?  I  must  attack  on  foot  the  Khakan  of  Chin, 
though  he  has  an  army  here  as  countless  as  legions  of  ants  or 
locusts;  but  if  Heaven  continues  my  friend,  I  shall  stretch 
many  of  them  in  the  dust,  and  take  many  prisoners.  The  cap- 
tives I  will  send  to  Khosrau,  and  all  the  spoils  of  Chin."  Say- 
ing this  he  pushed  forward,  roaring  like  a  tiger,  towards  the 
Khakan,  and  exclaiming  with  a  stern  voice : — "  The  Turks  are 
allied  to  the  devil,  and  the  wicked  are  always  unprosperous. 
Thou  hast  not  yet  fallen  in  with  Rustem,  or  thy  brain  would 
have  been  bewildered.  He  is  a  never-dying  dragon,  always 
seeking  the  strongest  in  battle.  But  thou  hast  not  yet  had 
enough  of  even  me !  "  He  then  drew  his  kamund  from  the  sad- 
dle-strap, and  praying  to  God  to  grant  him  victory  over  his  foes, 
urged  on  Rakush,  and  wherever  he  threw  the  noose,  his  aim 
was  successful.  Great  was  the  slaughter,  and  the  Khakan, 
seeing  from  the  back  of  his  white  elephant  the  extent  of  his 
loss,  and  beginning  to  be  apprehensive  about  his  own  safety, 
ordered  one  of  his  warriors,  well  acquainted  with  the  language 
of  Iran,  to  solicit  from  the  enemy  a  cessation  of  hostilities. 

"  Say  whence  this  wrath  on  us,  this  keen  revenge? 
We  never  injured  Saiawush;   the  kings 
Of  Ind  and  Chin  are  guiltless  of  his  blood; 
Then  why  this  wrath  on  strangers?    Spells  and  charms, 
Used  by  Afrasiyab — the  cause  of  all — 
Have  brought  us  hither  to  contend  against 
The  champion  Rustem;   and  since  peace  is  better 
Than  war  and  bloodshed,  let  us  part  in  peace." 

The  messenger  having  delivered  his  mesage,  Rustem  re- 
plied : — 

"  My  words  are  few.     Let  him  give  up  his  crown, 
His  golden  collar,  throne,  and  elephants; 
These  are  the  terms  I  grant.     He  came  for  plunder, 
And  now  he  asks  for  peace.    Tell  him  again, 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  203 

Till  all  his  treasure  and  his  crown  are  mine, 
His  throne  and  elephants,  he  seeks  in  vain 
For  peace  with  Rustem,  or  the  Persian  king!  " 

When  the  Khakan  was  informed  of  these  reiterated  condi- 
tions, he  burst  out  into  bitter  reproaches  and  abuse ;  and  with 
so  loud  a  voice,  that  the  wind  conveyed  them  distinctly  to  Rus- 
tem's  ear.  The  champion  immediately  prepared  for  the  at- 
tack ;  and  approaching  the  enemy,  flung  his  kamund,  by  which 
he  at  once  dragged  the  Khakan  lrom  his  white  elephant.  The 
hands  of  the  captured  monarch  were  straightway  bound  behind 
his  back.  Degraded  and  helpless  he  stood,  and  a  single  stroke 
deprived  him  of  his  crown,  and  throne,  and  life. 

Such  are,  since  time  began,  the  ways  of  Heaven; 
Such  the  decrees  of  fate!     Sometimes  raised  up, 
And  sometimes  hunted  down  by  enemies, 
Men,  struggling,  pass  through  this  precarious  life, 
Exalted  now  to  sovereign  power;  and  now 
Steeped  in  the  gulf  of  poverty  and  sorrow. 
To  one  is  given  the  affluence  of  Kartin; 
Another  dies  in  want.     How  little  know  we 
What  form  our  future  fortune  may  assume ! 
The  world  is  all  deceit,  deception  all! 

Piran-wisah  beheld  the  disasters  of  the  day,  he  saw  the 
Khakan  of  Chin  delivered  over  to  Tus,  his  death,  and  the 
banners  of  the  confederates  overthrown ;  and  sorrowing  said : — 
"  This  day  is  the  day  of  flight,  not  of  victory  to  us !  This  is 
no  time  for  son  to  protect  father,  nor  father  son — we  must 
fly ! "  In  the  meanwhile  Rustem,  animated  by  feelings  of  a 
very  different  kind,  gave  a  banquet  to  his  warrior  friends,  in 
celebration  of  the  triumph. 

When  the  intelligence  of  the  overthrow  and  death  of  Kamus 
and  the  Khakan  of  Chin,  and  the  dispersion  of  their  armies, 
reached  Afrasiyab,  he  was  overwhelmed  with  distress  and  con- 
sternation, and  expressed  his  determination  to  be  revenged  on 
the  conquerors.  Not  an  Iranian,  he  said,  should  remain  alive ; 
and  the  doors  of  his  treasury  were  thrown  open  to  equip  and 
reward  the  new  army,  which  was  to  consist  of  a  hundred 
thousand  men. 

Rustem  having  communicated  to  Kai-khosrau,  through 
Friburz,  the  account  of  his  success,  received  the  most  satis- 
factory marks  of  his  sovereign's  applause;  but  still  anxious 


204  FIRDUSI 

to  promote  the  glory  of  his  country,  he  engaged  in  new  ex- 
ploits. He  went  against  Kafur,  the  king  of  the  city  of  Bidad, 
a  cannibal,  who  feasted  on  human  flesh,  especially  on  the  young 
women  of  his  country,  and  those  of  the  greatest  beauty,  being 
the  richest  morsels,  were  first  destroyed.  He  soon  overpowered 
and  slew  the  monster,  and  having  given  his  body  to  be  de- 
voured by  dogs,  plundered  and  razed  his  castle  to  the  ground. 
After  this  he  invaded  and  ravaged  the  province  of  Khoten, 
one  of  the  dependencies  of  Turan,  and  recently  the  posses- 
sion of  Saiawush,  which  was  a  new  affliction  to  Afrasiyab,  who, 
alarmed  about  his  own  empire,  dispatched  a  trusty  person 
secretly  to  Rustem's  camp,  to  obtain  private  intelligence  of  his 
hostile  movements.  The  answer  of  the  spy  added  considerably 
to  his  distress,  and  in  the  dilemma  he  consulted  with  Piran- 
wisah,  that  he  might  have  the  benefit  of  the  old  man's  ex- 
perience and  wisdom.  Piran  told  him  that  he  had  failed  to 
make  an  impression  upon  the  Persians,  even  assisted  by  Kamus 
the  Kashanian,  and  the  Khakan  of  Chin ;  both  had  been  slain 
in  battle,  and  therefore  it  would  be  in  vain  to  attempt  further 
offensive  measures  without  the  most  powerful  aid.  There  was, 
he  added,  a  neighboring  king,  named  Puladwund,  who  alone 
seemed  equal  to  contend  with  Rustem.  He  was  of  immense 
stature,  and  of  prodigious  strength,  and  might  by  the  favor  of 
heaven,  be  able  to  subdue  him.  Afrasiyab  was  pleased  with 
this  information,  and  immediately  invited  Puladwund,  by  letter, 
to  assist  him  in  exterminating  the  champion  of  Persia.  Pulad- 
wund was  proud  of  the  honor  conferred  upon  him,  and  readily 
complied ;  hastening  the  preparation  of  his  own  army  to  co- 
operate with  that  of  Afrasiyab.  He  presently  joined  him,  and 
the  whole  of  the  combined  forces  rapidly  marched  against  the 
enemy.  The  first  warrior  he  encountered  was  Giw,  whom  he 
caught  with  his  kamund.  Reham  and  Byzun  seeing  this,  in- 
stantly rushed  forward  to  extricate  their  brother  and  champion 
in  arms ;  but  they  too  were  also  secured  in  the  same  manner ! 
In  the  struggle,  however,  the  kamunds  gave  way,  and  then 
Puladwund  drew  his  sword,  and  by  several  strokes  wounded 
them  all.  The  father,  Gudarz,  apprised  of  this  disaster,  which 
had  unfortunately  happened  to  three  of  his  sons,  applied  to  Rus- 
tem for  succor.  The  champion,  the  refuge,  the  protector  of  all, 
was,  as  usual,  ready  to  repel  the  enemy.  He  forthwith  ad- 
vanced, liberated  his  friends,  and  dreadful  was  the  conflict 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  205 

which  followed.  The  club  was  used  with  great  dexterity  on 
both  sides ;  but  at  length  Puladwund  struck  his  antagonist  such 
a  blow  that  the  sound  of  it  was  heard  by  the  troops  at  a  dis- 
tance, and  Rustem,  stunned  by  its  severity,  thought  himself 
opposed  with  so  much  vigor,  that  he  prayed  to  the  Almighty  for 
a  prosperous  issue  to  the  engagement. 

"  Should  I  be  in  this  struggle  slain, 

What  stay  for  Persia  will  be  left? 
None  to  defend  Kai-khosrau's  reign. 

Of  me,  his  warrior-chief,  bereft. 
Then  village,  town,  and  city  gay, 
Will  feel  the  cruel  Tartar's  sway !  " 

Puladwund  wishing  to  follow  up  the  blow  by  a  final  stroke  of 
his  sword,  found  to  his  amazement  that  it  recoiled  from  the 
armor  of  Rustem,  and  thence  he  proposed  another  mode  of 
fighting,  which  he  hoped  would  be  more  successful.  He  wished 
to  try  his  power  in  wrestling.  The  challenge  was  accepted.  By 
agreement  both  armies  retired,  and  left  the  space  of  a  farsang 
between  them,  and  no  one  was  allowed  to  afford  assistance  to 
either  combatant.  Afrasiyab  was  present,  and  sent  word  to 
Puladwund,  the  moment  he  got  Rustem  under  him,  to  plunge 
a  sword  in  his  heart.  The  contest  began,  but  Puladwund  had 
no  opportunity  of  fulfilling  the  wishes  of  Afrasiyab.  Rustem 
grasped  him  with  such  vigor,  lifted  him  up  in  his  arms,  and 
dashed  him  so  furiously  on  the  plain,  that  the  boaster  seemed  to 
be  killed  on  the  spot.  Rustem  indeed  thought  he  had  put  a 
period  to  his  life ;  and  with  that  impression  left  him,  and  re- 
mounted Rakush  :  but  the  crafty  Puladwund  only  pretended  to 
be  dead ;  and  as  soon  as  he  found  himself  released,  sprang  up 
and  escaped,  flying  like  an  arrow  to  his  own  side.  He  then  told 
Afrasiyab  how  he  had  saved  his  life  by  counterfeiting  death, 
and  assured  him  that  it  was  useless  to  contend  against  Rustem. 
The  champion  having  witnessed  this  subterfuge,  turned  round 
in  pursuit,  and  the  Tartars  received  him  with  a  shower  of 
arrows ;  but  the  attack  was  well  answered,  Puladwund  being  so 
alarmed  that,  without  saying  a  word  to  Afrasiyab,  he  fled  from 
the  field.  Piran  now  counselled  Afrasiyab  to  escape  also  to  the 
remotest  part  of  Tartary.  As  the  flight  of  Puladwund  had  dis- 
heartened the  Turanian  troops,  and  there  was  no  chance  of 
profiting  by  further  resistance,  Afrasiyab  took  his  advice,  and 


206  FIRDUSI 

so  precipitate  was  his  retreat,  that  he  entirely  abandoned  his 
standards,  tents,  horses,  arms,  and  treasure  to  an  immense 
amount.  The  most  valuable  booty  was  sent  by  Rustem  to  the 
king  of  Iran,  and  a  considerable  portion  of  it  was  divided 
among  the  chiefs  and  the  soldiers  of  the  army.  He  then 
mounted  Rakush,  and  proceeded  to  the  court  of  Kai-khosrau, 
where  he  was  received  with  the  highest  honors  and  with  un- 
bounded rejoicings.  The  king  opened  his  jewel  chamber,  and 
gave  him  the  richest  rubies,  and  vessels  of  gold  filled  with  musk 
and  aloes,  and  also  splendid  garments;  a  hundred  beautiful 
damsels  wearing  crowns  and  ear-rings,  a  hundred  horses,  and  a 
hundred  camels.  Having  thus  terminated  triumphantly  the 
campaign,  Rustem  carried  with  him  to  Zabul  the  blessings  and 
admiration  of  his  country. 


AKWAN  DfW 

And  now  we  come  to  Akwan  Diw, 
Whom  Rustem  next  in  combat  slew. 

ONE  day  as  Kai-khosrau  was  sitting  in  his  beautiful  gar- 
den, abounding  in  roses  and  the  balmy  luxuriance  of 
spring,  surrounded  by  his  warriors,  and  enjoying  the 
pleasures  of  the  banquet  with  music  and  singing,  a  peasant  ap- 
proached, and  informed  him  of  a  most  mysterious  apparition. 
A  wild  ass,  he  said,  had  come  in  from  the  neighboring  forest ; 
it  had  at  least  the  external  appearance  of  a  wild  ass,  but  pos- 
sessed such  supernatural  strength,  that  it  had  rushed  among  the 
horses  in  the  royal  stables  with  the  ferocity  of  a  lion  or  a  demon, 
doing  extensive  injury,  and  in  fact  appeared  to  be  an  evil  spirit ! 
Kai-khosrau  felt  assured  that  it  was  something  more  than  it 
seemed  to  be,  and  looked  round  among  his  warriors  to  know 

'  what  should  be  done.  It  was  soon  found  that  Rustem  was  the 
only  person  capable  of  giving  effectual  assistance  in  this  emer- 
gency, and  accordingly  a  message  was  forwarded  to  request  his 
services.  The  champion  instantly  complied,  and  it  was  not 
long  before  he  occupied  himself  upon  the  important  enterprise. 

>•  Guided  by  the  peasant,  he  proceeded  in  the  first  place  towards 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  207 

the  spot  where  the  mysterious  animal  had  been  seen;  but  it 
was  not  till  the  fourth  day  of  his  search  that  he  fell  in  with 
him,  and  then,  being  anxious  to  secure  him  alive,  and  send 
him  as  a  trophy  to  Kai-khosrau,  he  threw  his  kamund ;  but  it 
was  in  vain :  the  wild  ass  in  a  moment  vanished  out  of  sight ! 
From  this  circumstance  Rustem  observed,  "  This  can  be  no 
other  than  Akwan  Diw,  and  my  weapon  must  now  be  either 
dagger  or  sword."  The  next  time  the  wild  ass  appeared  he 
pursued  him  with  his  drawn  sword;  but  on  lifting  it  up  to 
strike,  nothing  was  to  be  seen.  He  tried  again,  when  he  came 
near  him,  both  spear  and  arrow :  still  the  animal  vanished,  dis- 
appointing his  blow;  and  thus  three  days  and  nights  he  con- 
tinued fighting,  as  it  were  against  a  shadow.  Wearied  at  length 
with  his  exertions,  he  dismounted,  and  leading  Rakush  to  a 
green  spot  near  a  limpid  fountain  or  rivulet  of  spring  water, 
allowed  him  to  graze,  and  then  went  to  sleep.  Akwan  Diw 
I  seeing  from  a  distance  that  Rustem  had  fallen  asleep,  rushed 
|  towards  him  like  a  whirlwind,  and  rapidly  digging  up  the 
ground  on  every  side  of  him,  took  up  the  plot  of  ground  and 
the  champion  together,  placed  them  upon  his  head,  and  walked 
i  away  with  them.  Rustem  being  awakened  with  the  motion,  he 
was  thus  addressed  by  the  giant-demon : — 

"  Warrior!   now  no  longer  free! 
Tell  me  what  thy  wish  may  be; 
Shall  I  plunge  thee  in  the  sea, 

Or  leave  thee  on  the  mountain  drear, 

None  to  give  thee  succour,  near? 
Tell  thy  wish  to  me!  " 

Rustem,  thus  deplorably  in  the  power  of  the  demon,  began 
to  consider  what  was  best  to  be  done,  and  recollecting  that  it 
was  customary  with  that  supernatural  race  to  act  by  the  rule 
of  contraries,  in  opposition  to  an  expressed  desire,  said  in  reply, 
for  he  knew  that  if  he  was  thrown  into  the  sea  there  would  be 
a  good  chance  of  escape : — 

/"  O,  plunge  me  not  in  the  roaring  sea, 
The  maw  of  a  fish  is  no  home  for  me; 
But  cast  me  forth  on  the  mountain;   there 
Is  the  lion's  haunt  and  the  tiger's  lair; 
And  for  them  I  shall  be  a  morsel  of  food, 
They  will  eat  my  flesh  and  drink  my  blood; 


208  FIRDUSI 

But  my  bones  will  be  left,  to  show  the  place 
Where  this  form  was  devoured  by  the  feline  race; 
Yes,  something  will  then  remain  of  me, 
Whilst  nothing  escapes  from  the  roaring  sea!  " 

Akwan  Diw  having  heard  this  particular  desire  of  Rustem, 
determined  at  once  to  thwart  him,  and  for  this  purpose  he 
raised  him  up  with  his  hands,  and  flung  him  from  his  lofty 
position  headlong  into  the  deep  and  roaring  ocean.  Down  he 
fell,  and  a  crocodile  speedily  darted  upon  him  with  the  eager 
intention  of  devouring  him  alive ;  but  Rustem  drew  his  sword 
with  alacrity,  and  severed  the  monster's  head  from  his  body. 
Another  came,  and  was  put  to  death  in  the  same  manner,  and 
the  water  was  crimsoned  with  blood.  At  last  he  succeeded  in 
swimming  safely  on  shore,  and  instantly  returned  thanks  to 
Heaven  for  the  signal  protection  he  had  experienced. 

Breasting  the  wave,  with  fearless  skill 
He  used  his  glittering  brand;  i 

And  glorious  and  triumphant  still, 
He  quickly  reached  the  strand. 

He  then  moved  towards  the  fountain  where  he  had  left 
Rakush;  but,  to  his  great  alarm  and  vexation  his  matchless 
horse  was  not  there.  He  wandered  about  for  some  time,  and 
in  the  end  found  him  among  a  herd  of  horses  belonging  to 
Afrasiyab.  Having  first  caught  him,  and  resumed  his  seat  in 
the  saddle,  he  resolved  upon  capturing  and  driving  away  the 
whole  herd,  and  conveying  them  to  Kai-khosrau.  He  was 
carrying  into  effect  this  resolution  when  the  noise  awoke  the 
keepers  specially  employed  by  Afrasiyab,  and  they,  indignant 
at  this  outrageous  proceeding,  called  together  a  strong  party  to 
pursue  the  aggressor.  When  they  had  nearly -reached  him,  he 
turned  boldly  round,  and  said  aloud : — "  I  am  Rustem,  the 
descendant  of  Sam.  I  have  conquered  Afrasiyab  in  battle,  and 
after  that  dost  thou  presume  to  oppose  me  ? "  Hearing  this, 
the  keepers  of  the  Tartar  stud  instantly  turned  their  backs,  and 
ran  away. 

It  so  happened  that  at  this  period  Afrasiyab  paid  his  annual 
visit  to  his  nursery  of  horses,  and  on  his  coming  to  the  meadows 
in  which  they  were  kept,  neither  horses  nor  keepers  were  to  be 
seen.  In  a  short  time,  however,  he  was  informed  by  those  who 
had  returned  from  the  pursuit,  that  Rustem  was  the  person  who 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  209 

had  carried  off  the  herd,  and  upon  hearing  of  this  outrage,  he 
proceeded  with  his  troops  at  once  to  attack  him.  Impatient  at 
the  indignity,  he  approached  Rustem  with  great  fury,  but  was 
presently  compelled  to  fly  to  save  his  life,  and  thus  allow  his 
herd  of  favorite  steeds,  together  with  four  elephants,  to  be 
placed  in  the  possession  of  Kai-khosrau.  Rustem  then  returned 
to  the  meadows  and  the  fountain  near  the  habitation  of  Akwan 
Diw;  and  there  he  again  met  the  demon,  who  thus  accosted 
him: — 

"What!   art  thou  then  aroused  from  death's  dark  sleep? 
Hast  thou  escaped  the  monsters  of  the  deep? 
And  dost  thou  seek  upon  the  dusty  plain 
To  struggle  with  a  demon's  power  again? 
Of  flint,  or  brass,  or  iron  is  thy  form? 
Or  canst  thou,  like  the  demons,  raise  the  dreadful  battle  storm?  " 

Rustem,  hearing  this  taunt  from  the  tongue  of  Akwan  Diw, 
prepared  for  fight,  and  threw  his  kamund  with  such  precision 
and  force,  that  the  demon  was  .entangled  in  it,  and  then  he 
struck  him  such  a  mighty  blow  with  his  sword,  that  it  severed 
the  head  from  the  body.  The  severed  head  of  the  unclean 
monster  he  transmitted  as  a  trophy  to  Kai-khosrau,  by  whom 
it  was  regarded  with  amazement,  on  account  of  its  hideous  ex- 
pression and  its  vast  size.  After  this  extraordinary  feat,  Rus- 
tem paid  his  respects  to  the  king,  and  was  received  as  usual  with 
distinguished  honor  and  affection ;  and  having  enjoyed  the 
magnificent  hospitality  of  the  court  for  some  time,  he  returned 
to  Zabulistan,  accompanied  part  of  the  way  by  Kai-khosrau 
himself  and  a  crowd  of  valiant  warriors,  ever  anxious  to  ac- 
knowledge his  superior  worth  and  prodigious  strength. 

VOL.  I.— 14 


210  -FIRDUSI 


THE  STORY  OF  BYZUN  AND  MANIJEH* 

ONE  day  the  people  of  Arman  petitioned  Kai-khosrau  to 
remove  from  them  a  grievous  calamity.    The  country 
they  inhabited  was  overrun  with  herds  of  wild  boars, 
which  not  only  destroyed  the  produce  of  their  fields,  but  the 
fruit  and  flowers  in  their  orchards  and  gardens,  and  so  extreme 
was  the  ferocity  of  the  animals  that  it  was  dangerous  to  go 
abroad;  they  therefore  solicited  protection  from  this  disastrous 
visitation,  and  hoped  for  relief.    The  king  was  at  the  time  en- 
joying himself  amidst  his  warriors  at  a  banquet,  drinking  wine, 
and  listening  to  music  and  the  songs  of  bewitching  damsels. 

/    The  glance  of  beauty,  and  the  charm 

Of  heavenly  sounds,  so  soft  and  thrilling, 
And  ruby  wine,  must  ever  warm 

The  heart,  with  love  and  rapture  filling. 
Can  aught  more  sweet,  more  genial  prove, 
Than  melting  music,  wine,  and  love? 

The  moment  he  was  made  acquainted  with  the  grievances 
endured  by  the  Armenians,  he  referred  the  matter  to  the  con- 
sideration of  his  counsellors  and  nobles,  in  order  that  a  remedy 
might  be  immediately  applied.  Byzun,  when  he  heard  what 
was  required,  and  had  learned  the  disposition  of  the  king,  rose 
up  at  once  with  all  the  enthusiasm  of  youth,  and  offered  to 
undertake  the  extermination  of  the  wild  boars  himself.  But 
Giw  objected  to  so  great  a  hazard,  for  he  was  too  young,  he 
said ;  a  hero  of  greater  experience  being  necessary  for  such  an 
arduous  enterprise.  Byzun,  however,  was  not  to  be  rejected  on 
this  account,  and  observed,  that  though  young,  he  was  mature 
in  judgment  and  discretion,  and  he  relied  on  the  liberal  decision 
of  the  king,  who  at  length  permitted  him  to  go,  but  he  was  to  be 
accompanied  by  the  veteran  warrior  Girgin.  Accordingly 
Byzun  and  Girgin  set  off  on  the  perilous  expedition ;  and  after 
a  journey  of  several  days  arrived  at  the  place  situated  between 
Iran  and  Turin,  where  the  wild  boars  were  the  most  destruc- 
tive. In  a  short  time  a  great  number  were  hunted  down  and 
killed,  and  Byzun,  utterly  to  destroy  the  sustenance  of  the  de- 

*  Manijeh  was  the  daughter  of  Afrasiyab. 


THE  SHAH  NAMEH  21 1 

predators,  set  fire  to  the  forest,  and  reduced  the  whole  of  the 
cultivation  to  ashes.  His  exertions  were,  in  short,  entirely  suc- 
cessful, and  the  country  was  thus  freed  from  the  visitation 
which  had  occasioned  so  much  distress  and  ruin.  To  give  in- 
contestable proof  of  this  exploit,  he  cut  off  the  heads  of  all  the 
wild  boars,  and  took  out  the  tusks,  to  send  to  Kai-khosrau. 
When  Girgin  had  witnessed  the  intrepidity  and  boldness  of 
Byzun,  and  found  him  determined  to  send  the  evidence  of  his 
bravery  to  Kai-khosrau,  he  became  envious  of  the  youth's  suc- 
cess, and  anticipated  by  comparison  the  ruin  of  his  own  name 
and  the  gratification  of  his  foes.  He  therefore  attempted  to 
dissuade  him  from  sending  the  trophies  to  the  king,  and  having 
failed,  he  resolved  upon  getting  him  out  of  the  way.  To  effect 
this  purpose  he  worked  upon  the  feelings  and  the  passions  of 
Byzun  with  consummate  art,  and  whilst  his  victim  was  warm 
with  wine,  praised  him  beyond  all  the  warriors  of  the  age.  He 
then  told  him  he  had  heard  that  at  no  great  distance  from  them 
there  was  a  beautiful  place,  a  garden  of  perpetual  spring,  which 
was  visited  every  vernal  season  by  Manijeh,  the  lovely  daughter 
of  Afrasiyab. 

"  It  is  a  spot  beyond  imagination 
Delightful  to  the  heart,  where  roses  bloom, 
And   sparkling  fountains   murmur — where   the  earth 
Is  rich  with  many-colored  flowers;  and  musk 
Floats  on  the  gentle  breezes,  hyacinths 
And  lilies  add  their  perfume — golden  fruits 
Weigh  down  the  branches  of  the  lofty  trees, 
The  glittering  pheasant  moves  in  stately  pomp, 
The  bulbtil  warbles  from  the  cypress  bough, 
And  love-inspiring  damsels  may  be  seen 
O'er  hill  and  dale,  their  lips  all  winning  smiles, 
Their  cheeks  like  roses — in  their  sleepy  eyes 
Delicious  languor  dwelling.     Over  them 
Presides  the  daughter  of  Afrasiyab, 
The  beautiful  Manijeh;   should  we  go, 
('Tis  but  a  little  distance),  and  encamp 
Among  the  lovely  groups — in  that  retreat 
Which  blooms  like  Paradise — we  may  secure 
A  bevy  of  fair  virgins  for  the  king!  " 

Byzun  was  excited  by  this  description;  and  impatient  to 
realize  what  it  promised,  repaired  without  delay,  accompanied 
by  Girgin,  to  the  romantic  retirement  of  the  princess.  They 
approached  so  close  to  the  summer-tent  in  which  she  dwelt  that 


212  FIRDUSI 

she  had  a  full  view  of  Byzun,  and  immediately  becoming  deeply 
enamoured  of  his  person  despatched  a  confidential  domestic, 
her  nurse,  to  inquire  who  he  was,  and  from  whence  he  came. 

• 

"  Go,  and  beneath  that  cypress  tree, 
Where  now  he  sits  so  gracefully, 
Ask  him  his  name,  that  radiant  moon, 
And  he  may  grant  another  boon! 
Perchance  he  may  to  me  impart 
The  secret  wishes  of  his  heart! 
Tell  him  he  must,  and  further  say, 
That  I  have  lived  here  many  a  day; 
That  every  year,  whilst  spring  discloses 
The  fragrant  breath  of  budding  roses, 
I  pass  my  time  in  rural  pleasure; 
But  never — never  such  a  treasure, 
A  mortal  of  such  perfect  mould, 
Did  these  admiring  eyes  behold! 
Never,  since  it  has  been  my  lot 
To  dwell  in  this  sequestered  spot, 
A  youth  by  nature  so  designed 
To  soothe  a  love-lorn  damsel's  mind! 
His  wondrous  looks  my  bosom  thrill 
Can  Saiawush  be  living  still?" 

The  nurse  communicated  faithfully  the  message  of  Manijeh, 
and  Byzun's  countenance  glowed  with  delight  when  he  heard  it. 
"  Tell  thy  fair  mistress,"  he  said  in  reply,  "  that  I  am  not 
Saiawush,  but  the  son  of  Giw.  I  came  from  Iran,  with  the 
express  permission  of  the  king,  to  exterminate  a  terrible  and 
destructive  herd  of  wild  boars  in  this  neighborhood;  and  I 
have  cut  off  their  heads,  and  torn  out  their  tusks  to  be  sent  to 
Kai-khosrau,  that  the  king  and  his  warriors  may  fully  appreci- 
ate the  exploit  I  have  performed.  But  having  heard  afterwards 
of  thy  mistress's  beauty  and  attractions,  home  and  my  father 
were  forgotten,  and  I  have  preferred  following  my  own  desires 
by  coming  hither.  If  thou  wilt  therefore  forward  my  views ; 
if  thou  wilt  become  my  friend  by  introducing  me  to  thy  mistress, 
who  is  possessed  of  such  matchless  charms,  these  precious 
gems  are  thine  and  this  coronet  of  gold.  Perhaps  the  daughter 
of  Afrasiyab  may  be  induced  to  listen  to  my  suit."  The  nurse 
was  not  long  in  making  known  the  sentiments  of  the  stranger, 
and  Manijeh  was  equally  prompt  in  expressing  her  consent. 
The  message  was  full  of  ardor  and  affection. 


J 

~ 


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CHOICE   EXAMPLES   OF   ORIENTAL    PRINTING   AND 
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And  he  1 
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PAGE  FROM  A   PERSIAN  GRAMMAR. 

This  is  a  fac-simile  of  a  page  of  a  Persian  Grammar  written  by  Sir  William 
Jones,  the  famous  Orientalist,  and  printed  in  London  in  1775. 

MO- 

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I  came  from  Ir 
to  exter 

t  •  >n  this  ' 

\  om  th» 
• 

of  i! 
wei 
by  < 
if  thou  wi: 

who   is   ' 

isiyah  I] 


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THE  SHAH    NAMEH  213 

"  O  gallant  youth,  no  farther  roam, 
This  summer-tent  shall  be  thy  home; 
Then  will  the  clouds  of  grief  depart 
From  this  enamoured,  anxious  heart. 
For  thee  I  live — thou  art  the  light 
Which  makes  my  future  fortune  bright. 
Should  arrows  pour  like  showers  of  rain 
Upon  my  head — 'twould  be  in  vain; 
Nothing  can  ever  injure  me, 
Blessed  with  thy  love — possessed  of  thee!" 

Byzun  therefore  proceeded  unobserved  to  the  tent  of  the 
princess,  who  on  meeting  and  receiving  him,  pressed  him  to  her 
bosom;  and  taking  off  his  Kaiani  girdle,  that  he  might  be 
more  at  his  ease,  asked  him  to  sit  down  and  relate  the  particulars 
of  his  enterprise  among  the  wild  boars  of  the  forest.  Having 
done  so,  he  added  that  he  had  left  Girgin  behind  him. 

"  Enraptured,  and  impatient  to  survey 
Thy  charms,  I  brook'd  no  pause  upon  the  way." 

He  was  immediately  perfumed  with  musk  and  rose-water, 
and  refreshments  of  every  kind  were  set  before  him ;  musicians 
played  their  sweetest  airs,  and  dark-eyed  damsels  waited  upon 
him.  The  walls  of  the  tent  were  gorgeously  adorned  with 
amber,  and  gold,  and  rubies ;  and  the  sparkling  old  wine  was 
drunk  out  of  crystal  goblets.  The  feast  of  joy  lasted  three 
nights  and  three  days,  Byzun  and  Manijeh  enjoying  the 
precious  moments  with  unspeakable  rapture.  Overcome  with 
wine  and  the  felicity  of  the  scene,  he  at  length  sunk  into 
repose,  and  on  the  fourth  day  came  the  time  of  departure ;  but 
the  princess,  unable  to  relinquish  the  society  of  her  lover, 
ordered  a  narcotic  draught  to  be  administered  to  him,  and 
whilst  he  continued  in  a  state  of  slumber  and  insensibility,  he 
was  conveyed  secretly  and  in  disguise  into  Turin.  He  was 
taken  even  to  the  palace  of  Afrasiyab,  unknown  to  all  but  to  the 
emissaries  and  domestics  of  the  princess,  and  there  he  awoke 
from  the  trance  into  which  he  had  been  thrown,  and  found 
himself  clasped  in  the  arms  of  his  idol.  Considering,  on  com- 
ing to  his  senses,  that  he  had  been  betrayed  by  some  witchery, 
he  made  an  attempt  to  get  out  of  the  seclusion :  above  all,  he 
was  apprehensive  of  a  fatal  termination  to  the  adventure ;  but 
Manijeh's  blandishments  induced  him  to  remain,  and  for  some 


2i4  FIRDUSI 

time  he  was  contented  to  be  immersed  in  continual  enjoyment 
— such  pleasure  as  arises  from  the  social  banquet  and  the  at- 
tractions of  a  fascinating  woman. 

"  Grieve  not  my  love — be  not  so  sad, 
'Tis  now  the  season  to  be  glad; 
There  is  a  time  for  war  and  strife, 
A  time  to  soothe  the  ills  of  life. 
Drink  of  the  cup  which  yields  delight, 
The  ruby  glitters  in  thy  sight; 
Steep  not  thy  heart  in  fruitless  care, 
But  in  the  wine-flask  sparkling  there." 

At  length,  however,  the  love  of  the  princess  for  a  Persian 
youth  was  discovered,  and  the  keepers  and  guards  of  the  palace 
were  in  the  greatest  terror,  expecting  the  most  signal  punish- 
ment for  their  neglect  or  treachery.  Dreadful  indeed  was  the 
rage  of  the  king  when  he  was  first  told  the  tidings ;  he  trem- 
bled like  a  reed  in  the  wind,  and  the  color  fled  from  his  cheeks. 
Groaning,  he  exclaimed : — 

f     "A  daughter,  even  from  a  royal  stock, 
Is  ever  a  misfortune — hast  thou  one? 
The  grave  will  be  thy  fittest  son-in-law! 
Rejoice  not  in  the  wisdom  of  a  daughter; 
Who  ever  finds  a  daughter  good  and  virtuous? 
Who  ever  looks  on  woman-kind  for  aught 
Save  wickedness  and  folly?    Hence  how  few 
Ever  enjoy  the  bliss  of  Paradise: 
Such  the  sad  destiny  of  erring  woman!  " 

Afrasiyab  consulted  the  nobles  of  his  household  upon  the 
measures  to  be  pursued  on  this  occasion,  and  Gersiwaz  was  in 
consequence  deputed  to  secure  Byzun,  and  put  him  to  death. 
The  guilty  retreat  was  first  surrounded  by  troops,  and  then 
Gersiwaz  entered  the  private  apartments,  and  with  surprise  and 
indignation  saw  Byzun  in  all  his  glory,  Manijeh  at  his  side, 
his  lips  stained  with  wine,  his  face  full  of  mirth  and  gladness, 
and  encircled  by  the  damsels  of  the  shubistan.  He  accosted 
him  in  severe  terms,  and  was  promptly  answered  by  Byzun, 
who,  drawing  his  sword,  gave  his  name  and  family,  and  declared 
that  if  any  violence  or  insult  was  offered,  he  would  slay 
every  man  that  came  before  him  with  hostile  intentions. 
Gersiwaz,  on  hearing  this,  thought  it  prudent  to  change  his 
plan,  and  conduct  him  to  Afrasiyab,  and  he  was  permitted  to 


THE   SHAH   NAMEH  215 

do  so  on  the  promise  of  pardon  for  the  alleged  offence.  When 
brought  before  Afrasiyab,  he  was  assailed  with  further  oppro- 
brium, and  called  a  dog  and  a  wicked  remorseless  demon. 

"  Thou  caitiff  wretch,  of  monstrous  birth, 
Allied  to  hell,  and  not  of  earth!  " 

But  he  thus  answered  the  king : — 

"  Listen  awhile,  if  justice  be  thy  aim, 

And  thou  wilt  find  me  guiltless.  I  was  sent 
-  From  Persia  to  destroy  herds  of  wild  boars, 

Which  laid  the  country  waste.     That  labour  done, 

I  lost  my  way,  and  weary  with  the  toil, 

Weary  with  wandering  in  a  wildering  maze, 

Haply  reposed  beneath  a  shady  cypress; 

Thither  a  Peri  came,  and  whilst  I  slept, 

Lifted  me  from  the  ground,  and  quick  as  thought 

Conveyed  me  to  a  summer-tent,  where  dwelt 
-  A  princess  of  incomparable  beauty. 

From  thence,  by  hands  unknown,  I  was  removed, 

Still  slumbering  in  a  litter — still  unconscious; 

And  when  I  woke,  I  found  myself  reclining 

In  a  retired  pavilion  of  thy  palace, 

Attended  by  that  soul-entrancing  beauty! 

My  heart  was  filled  with  sorrow,  and  I  shed 
'•  Showers  of  vain  tears,  and  desolate  I  sate, 

Thinking  of  Persia,  with  no  power  to  fly 

From  my  imprisonment,  though  soft  and  kind, 

Being  the  victim  of  a  sorcerer's  art. 

Yes,  I  am  guiltless,  and  Manijeh  too, 

Both  by  some  magic  influence  pursued, 

And  led  away  against  our  will  or  choice!  " 

Afrasiyab  listened  to  this  speech  with  distrust,  and  hesitated 
not  to  charge  him  with  falsehood  and  cowardice.  Byzun's 
indignation  was  roused  by  this  insulting  accusation ;  and  he 
said  to  him  aloud,  "  Cowardice,  what !  cowardice !  I  have  en^ 
countered  the  tusks  of  the  formidable  wild  boar  and  the  claws 
of  the  raging  lion.  I  have  met  the  bravest  in  battle  with  sword 
and  arrow ;  and  if  it  be  thy  desire  to  witness  the  strength  of  my 
arm,  give  me  but  a  horse  and  a  battle-axe,  and  marshal  twice 
five  hundred  Turanians  against  me,  and  not  a  man  of  them 
shall  survive  the  contest.  If  this  be  not  thy  pleasure,  do  thy 
worst,  but  remember  my  blood  will  be  avenged.  Thou  know- 
est  the  power  of  Rustem !  "  The  mention  of  Rustem's  name 


216  FIRDUSI 

renewed  all  the  deep  feelings  of  resentment  and  animosity  in  the 
mind  of  Afrasiyab,  who,  resolved  upon  the  immediate  execution 
of  his  purpose,  commanded  Gersiwaz  to  bind  the  youth,  and 
put  an  end  to  his  life  on  the  gallows  tree.  The  good  old  man 
Piran-wisah  happened  to  be  passing  by  the  place  to  which 
Byzun  had  just  been  conveyed  to  suffer  death ;  and  seeing  a 
great  concourse  of  people,  and  a  lofty  dar  erected,  from  which 
hung  a  noose,  he  inquired  for  whom  it  was  intended.  Gersiwaz 
heard  the  question,  and  replied  that  it  was  for  a  Persian,  an 
enemy  of  Turan,  a  son  of  Giw,  and  related  to  Rustem.  Piran 
straightway  rode  up  to  the  youth,  who  was  standing  in  deep 
affliction,  almost  naked,  and  with  his  hands  bound  behind  his 
back,  and  he  said  to  him : — 

"  Why  didst  thou  quit  thy  country,  why  come  hither, 
Why  choose  the  road  to  an  untimely  grave?  " 

Upon  this  Byzun  told  him  his  whole  story,  and  the  treachery 
of  Girgin.  Piran  wept  at  the  recital,  and  remembering  the 
circumstances  under  which  he  had  encountered  Giw,  and  how 
he  had  been  himself  delivered  from  death  by  the  interposition 
of  Ferangis,  he  requested  the  execution  to  be  stayed  until  he 
had  seen  the  king,  which  was  accordingly  done.  The  king 
received  him  with  honor,  praised  his  wisdom  and  prudence, 
and  conjecturing  from  his  manner  that  something  was  heavy 
at  his  heart,  expressed  his  readiness  to  grant  any  favor  which 
he  might  have  come  to  solicit.  Piran  said :  "  Then,  my  only 
desire  is  this :  do  not  put  Byzun  to  death ;  do  not  repeat  the 
tragedy  of  Saiawush,  and  again  consign  Turan  and  Iran  to  all 
the  horrors  of  war  and  desolation.  Remember  how  I  warned 
thee  against  taking  the  life  of  that  young  prince ;  but  malignant 
and  evil  advisers  exerted  their  influence,  were  triumphant,  and 
brought  upon  thee  and  thy  kingdom  the  vengeance  of  Kaus, 
,  of  Rustem,  and  all  the  warriors  of  the  Persian  empire.  The 
|  swords  now  sleeping  in  their  scabbards  are  ready  to  flash  forth 
again,  for  assuredly  if  the  blood  of  Byzun  be  spilt  the  land  will 
be  depopulated  by  fire  and  sword.  The  honor  of  a  king  is 
sacred ;  when  that  is  lost,  all  is  lost."  But  Afrasiyab  replied : 
"  I  fear  not  the  thousands  that  can  be  brought  against  me. 
Byzun  has  committed  an  offence  which  can  never  be  pardoned ; 
it  covers  me  with  shame,  and  I  shall  be  universally  despised  if  I 
suffer  him  to  live.  Death  were  better  for  me  than  life  in  dis- 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  217 

grace.  He  must  die." — "That  is  not  necessary /'rejoined  Piran, 
"  let  him  be  imprisoned  in  a  deep  cavern ;  he  will  never  be  heard 
of  more,  and  then  thou  canst  not  be  accused  of  having  shed  his 
blood."  After  some  deliberation,  Afrasiyab  altered  his  deter- 
mination, and  commanded  Gersiwaz  to  bind  the  youth  with 
chains  from  head  to  foot,  and  hang  him  within  a  deep  pit  with 
his  head  downwards,  that  he  might  never  see  sun  or  moon 
again ;  and  he  sentenced  Manijeh  to  share  the  same  fate :  and 
to  make  their  death  more  sure,  he  ordered  the  enormous  frag- 
ment of  rock  which  Akwan  Diw  had  dragged  out  of  the  ocean 
and  flung  upon  the  plain  of  Tartary,  to  be  placed  over  the 
mouth  of  the  pit.  In  respect  to  Byzun,  Gersiwaz  did  as  he  was 
commanded ;  but  the  lamentations  in  the  shubistan  were  so  loud 
and  distressing  upon  Manijeh  being  sentenced  to  the  same  pun- 
ishment, that  the  tyrant  was  induced  to  change  her  doorn, 
allowing  her  to  dwell  near  the  pit,  but  forbidding,  by  proclama- 
tion, anyone  going  to  her  or  supplying  her  with  food.  Gersiwaz 
conducted  her  to  the  place ;  and  stripping  her  of  her  rich  gar- 
ments and  jewels,  left  her  bareheaded  and  barefooted,  weeping 
torrents  of  tears. 

He  left  her — the  unhappy  maid; 
Her  head  upon  the  earth  was  laid, 
In  bitterness  of  grief,  and  lone, 
Beside  that  dreadful  demon-stone. 

There  happened,  however,  to  be  a  fissure  in  the  huge  rock 
that  covered  the  mouth  of  the  pit,  which  allowed  of  Byzun's 
voice  being  heard,  and  bread  and  water  was  let  down  to  him, 
so  that  they  had  the  melancholy  satisfaction  of  hearing  each 
other's  woes. 

The  story  now  relates  to  Girgin,  who  finding  after  several 
days  that  Byzun  had  not  returned,  began  to  repent  of  his 
treachery ;  but  what  is  the  advantage  of  such  repentance  ?  it 
is  like  the  smoke  that  rises  from  a  conflagration. 

When  flames  have  done  their  worst,  thick  clouds  arise 
*    Of  lurid  smoke,  which  useless  mount  the  skies. 

He  sought  everywhere  for  him ;  went  to  the  romantic  retreat 
where  the  daughter  of  Afrasiyab  resided;  but  the  place  was 
deserted,  nothing  was  to  be  seen,  and  nothing  to  be  heard.  At 


2i8  FIRDUSI 

length  he  saw  Byzun's  horse  astray,  and  securing  him  with  his 
kamund,  thought  it  useless  to  remain  in  Turan,  and  therefore 
proceeded  in  sorrow  back  to  Iran.  Giw,  finding  that  his  son 
had  not  returned  with  him  from  Arman,  was  frantic  with 
grief ;  he  tore  his  garments  and  his  hair,  and  threw  ashes  over 
his  head;  and  seeing  the  horse  his  son  had  ridden,  caressed 
it  in  the  fondest  manner,  demanding  from  Girgin  a  full  account 
of  what  he  knew  of  his  fate.  "  O  Heaven  forbid,"  said  he, 
"  that  my  son  should  have  fallen  into  the  power  of  the  merci- 
less demons !  "  Girgin  could  not  safely  confess  the  truth,  and 
therefore  told  a  falsehood,  in  the  hope  of  escaping  from  the 
consequences  of  his  own  guilt.  "  When  we  arrived  at  Arman," 
said  he,  "  we  entered  a  large  forest,  and  cutting  down  the  trees, 
set  them  on  fire.  We  then  attacked  the  wild  boars,  which  were 
found  in  vast  numbers ;  and  as  soon  as  they  were  all  destroyed, 
left  the  place  on  our  return.  Sporting  all  the  way,  we  fell  in 
with  an  elk,  of  a  most  beautiful  and  wonderful  form.  It  was 
like  the  Simurgh ;  it  had  hoofs  of  steel,  and  the  head  and  ears 
and  tail  of  a  horse.  It  was  strong  as  a  lion  and  fleet  as  the 
wind,  and  came  fiercely  before  us,  yet  seemed  to  be  a  thing  of 
air.  Byzun  threw  his  kamund  over  him ;  and  when  entangled 
in  the  noose,  the  animal  became  furious  and  sprung  away, 
dragging  Byzun  after  him.  Presently  the  prospect  was  envel- 
oped in  smoke,  the  earth  looked  like  the  ocean,  and  Byzun  and 
the  phantom-elk  disappeared.  I  wandered  about  in  search  of 
my  companion,  but  found  him  not:  his  horse  only  remained. 
My  heart  was  rent  with  anguish,  for  it  seemed  to  me  that  the 
furious  elk  must  have  been  the  White  Demon."  But  Giw  was 
not  to  be  deceived  by  this  fabricated  tale ;  on  the  contrary,  he 
felt  convinced  that  treachery  had  been  at  work,  a-nd  in  his  rage 
seized  Girgin  by  the  beard,  dragged  him  to  and  fro,  and  inflicted 
on  him  two  hundred  strokes  with  a  scourge.  The  unhappy 
wretch,  from  the  wounds  he  had  received,  fell  senseless  on  the 
ground.  Giw  then  hastened  to  Kai-khosrau  to  inform  him  of 
his  misfortune ;  and  though  the  first  resolve  was  to  put  the 
traitor  to  death,  the  king  was  contented  to  load  him  with 
chains  and  cast  him  into  prison.  The  astrologers  being  now 
consulted,  pronounced  that  Byzun  was  still  living,  and  Giw  was 
consoled  and  cheered  by  the  promptitude  with  which  the  king 
despatched  troops  in  every  quarter  in  search  of  his  son. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  219 

"  Weep  no  longer,  warrior  bold, 
Thou  shall  soon  thy  son  behold. 
In  this  Cup,  this  mirror  bright, 
All  that's  dark  is  brought  to  light; 
All  above  and  under  ground, 
All  that's  lost  is  quickly  found." 
Thus  spake  the  monarch,  and  held  up 
Before  his  view  that  wondrous  Cup 
Which  first  to  Jemshid's  eye  revealed 
All  that  was  in  the  world  concealed. 
And  first  before  him  lay  exposed 
All  that  the  seven  climes  enclosed, 
Whether  in  ocean  or  amid 
The  stars  the  secret  things  were  hid, 
Whether  in  rock  or  cavern  placed, 
In  that  bright  Cup  were  clearly  traced. 
And  now  his  eye  Karugsar  surveys, 
The  Cup  the  province  wide  displays. 
He  sees  within  that  dismal  cave 
Byzun  the  good,  the  bold,  the  brave; 
And  sitting  on  that  demon-stone 
Lovely  Manijeh  sad  and  lone. 
And  now  he  smiles  and  looks  on  Giw, 
And  cries:   "  My  prophecy  was  true. 
Thy  Byzun  lives;   no  longer  grieve, 
I  see  him  there,  my  words  believe; 
And  though  bound  fast  in  fetters,  he 
Shall  soon  regain  his  liberty." 

_  Kai-khosrau,  thinking  the  services  of  Rustem  requisite  on 
this  occasion,  dispatched  Giw  with  an  invitation  to  him,  ex- 
plaining the  circumstance  of  Byzun's  capture.  Rustem  had 
made  up  his  mind  to  continue  in  peace  and  tranquillity  at  his 
Zabul  principality,  and  not  to  be  withdrawn  again  from  its 
comforts  by  any  emergency ;  but  the  reported  situation  of  his 
near  relative  altered  his  purpose,  and  he  hesitated  not  to  give 
his  best  aid  to  restore  him  to  freedom.  Giw  rejoiced  at  this, 
and  both  repaired  without  delay  to  the  royal  residence,  where 
Khosrau  gratified  the  champion  with  the  most  cordial  welcome, 
placing  him  on  a  throne  before  him.  The  king  asked  him  what 
force  he  would  require,  and  he  replied  that  he  did  not  require 
any  army ;  he  preferred  going  in  disguise  as  a  merchant.  Ac- 
cordingly the  necessary  materials  were  prepared;  a  thousand 
camels  were  laden  with  jewels  and  brocades,  and  other  mer- 
chandise, and  a  thousand  warriors  were  habited  like  camel- 
drivers.  Girgin  had  prayed  to  be  released  from  his  bonds,  and 


220  FIRDUSI 

by  the  intercession  of  Rustem  was  allowed  to  be  of  the  party  ; 
but  his  children  were  kept  in  prison  as  hostages  and  security 
for  his  honorable  conduct.  When  the  champion,  with  his 
kafila,  arrived  within  the  territory  of  the  enemy,  and  approached 
the  spot  where  Byzun  was  imprisoned,  a  loud  clamor  arose 
that  a  caravan  of  merchandise  had  come  from  Iran,  such  as  was 
never  seen  before.  The  tidings  having  reached  the  ear  of 
Manijeh,  she  went  immediately  to  Rustem,  and  inquired 
whether  the  imprisonment  of  Byzun  was  yet  known  at  the 
Persian  court  ?  Rustem  replied  in  anger :  "  I  am  a  merchant 
employed  in  traffic,  what  can  I  know  of  such  things?  Go 
away,  I  have  no  acquaintance  with  either  the  king  or  his 
warriors."  This  answer  overwhelmed  Manijeh  with  disap- 
pointment and  grief,  and  she  wept  bitterly.  Her  tears  began 
to  soften  the  heart  of  Rustem,  and  he  said  to  her  in  a  soothing 
voice :— "  I  am  not  an  inhabitant  of  the  city  in  which  the  court 
is  held,  and  on  that  account  I  know  nothing  of  these  matters ; 
but  tell  me  the  cause  of  thy  grief."  Manijeh  sighed  deeply,  and 
endeavored  to  avoid  giving  him  any  reply,  which  increased  the 
curiosity  of  the  champion ;  but  she  at  length  complied.  She  told 
him  who  she  was,  the  daughter  of  Afrasiyab,  the  story  of  her 
love,  and  the  misfortunes  of  Byzun,  and  pointed  out  to  him  the 
pit  in  which  he  was  imprisoned  and  bound  down  with  heavy 
chains. 

"  For  the  sake  of  him  has  been  my  fall 
-  From  royal  state,  and  bower,  and  hall, 
And  hence  this  pale  and  haggard  face, 
This  saffron  hue  thy  eye  may  trace, 
Where  bud  of  rose  was  wont  to  bloom, 

But  withered  now  and  gone; 
And  I  must  sit  in  sorrow's  gloom 
Unsuccoured  and  alone." 

Rustem  asked  with  deep  interest  if  any  food  could  be  con- 
veyed to  him,  and  she  said  that  she  had  been  accustomed  to 
supply  him  with  bread  and  water  through  a  fissure  in  the  huge 
stone  which  covered  the  mouth  of  the  pit.  Upon  receiving 
this  welcome  information,  Rustem  brought  a  roasted  fowl,  and 
I  inclosing  in  it  his  own  seal-ring,  gave  it  to  Manijeh  to  take  to 
Byzun.  The  poor  captive,  on  receiving  it,  inquired  by  whom 
such  a  blessing  could  have  been  sent,  and  when  she  informed 
him  that  it  had  been  given  to  her  by  the  chief  of  a  caravan 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  221 

from  Iran,  who  had  manifested  great  anxiety  about  him,  his 
smiles  spoke  the  joyous  feelings  of  his  heart,  for  the  name  of 
Rustem  was  engraved  on  the  ring.  Manijeh  was  surprised  to 
see  him  smile,  considering  his  melancholy  situation,  and  could 
not  imagine  the  cause.  "  If  thou  wilt  keep  my  secret,"  said 
he,  "  I  will  tell  thee  the  cause."  "  What !  "  she  replied,  "  have  I 
not  devoted  my  heart  and  soul  to  thee  ? — have  I  not  sacrificed 
everything  for  thy  love,  and  is  my  fidelity  now  to  be  suspected  ? 

/     Can  I  be  faithless,  then,  to  thee, 

The  choice  of  this  fond  heart  of  mine; 
Why  sought  I  bonds,  when  I  was  free, 
But  to  be  thine — forever  thine?  " 

"  True,  true !  then  hear  me : — the  chief  of  the  caravan  is 
Rustem,  who  has  undoubtedly  come  to  release  me  from  this 
dreadful  pit.  Go  to  him,  and  concert  with  him  the  manner  in 
which  my  deliverance  may  be  soonest  effected."  Manijeh  ac- 
cordingly went  and  communicated  with  the  champion ;  and  it 
was  agreed  between  them  that  she  should  light  a  large  fire  to 
guide  him  on  his  way.  He  was  prompt  as  well  as  valiant,  and 
repaired  in  the  middle  of  the  following  night,  accompanied  by 
seven  of  his  warriors,  directed  by  the  blaze,  to  the  place  where 
Byzun  was  confined.  The  neighborhood  was  infested  by 
demons  with  long  nails,  and  long  hair  on  their  bodies  like  the 
hair  of  a  goat,  and  horny  feet,  and  with  heads  like  dogs,  and 
the  chief  of  them  was  the  son  of  Akwan  Diw.  The  father 
having  been  slain  by  Rustem,  the  son  nourished  the  hope  of 
revenge,  and  perpetually  longed  for  an  opportunity  of  meeting 
him  in  battle.  Well  knowing  that  the  champion  was  engaged 
in  the  enterprise  to  liberate  Byzun,  he  commanded  his  demons 
to  give  him  intelligence  of  his  approach.  His  height  was 
tremendous,  his  face  was  black,  his  mouth  yawned  like  a 
cavern,  his  eyes  were  fountains  of  blood,  his  teeth  like  those 
of  a  wild  boar,  and  the  hair  on  his  body  like  needles.  The 
monster  advanced,  and  reproaching  Rustem  disdainfully  for 
having  slain  Akwan  Diw,  and  many  other  warriors  in  the 
Turanian  interest,  pulled  up  a  tree  by  the  roots  and  challenged 
him  to  combat.  The  struggle  began,  but  the  Demon  frequently 
escaped  the  fury  of  the  champion  by  vanishing  into  air.  At 
length  Rustem  struck  a  fortunate  blow,  which  cut  the  body  of 
his  towering  adversary  in  two.  His  path  being  now  free  from 


222  FIRDUSI 

interruption,  he  sped  onward,  and  presently  beheld  the  pro- 
digious demon-stone  which  covered  the  mouth  of  the  pit,  in 
which  Byzun  was  imprisoned. 

/       And  praying  to  the  Almighty  to  infuse 

Strength  through  his  limbs,  he  raised  it  up,  and  flung 
The  ponderous  mass  of  rock  upon  the  plain, 
Which  shuddered  to  receive  that  magic  load! 

The  mouth  of  the  cavern  being  thus  exposed,  Rustem  applied 
himself  to  the  extrication  of  Byzun  from  his  miserable  condi- 
tion, and  letting  down  his  kamund,  he  had  soon  t!ie  pleasure  of 
drawing  up  the  unfortunate  captive,  whom  he  embraced  with 
'  great  affection ;  and  instantly  stripped  off  the  chains  with 
which  he  was  bound.  After  mutual  congratulations  had  been 
exchanged,  Rustem  proposed  that  Byzun  and  Manijeh  should 
go  immediately  to  Iran,  whilst  he  and  his  companions  in  arms 
attacked  the  palace  of  Afrasiyab ;  but  though  wasted  as  he  was 
by  long  suffering,  Byzun  could  not  on  any  consideration  con- 
sent to  avoid  the  perils  of  the  intended  assault,  and  determined, 

at  all  hazards,  to  accompany  his  deliverer. 

/ 

/       "  Full  well  I  know  thy  superhuman  power 
Needs  no  assistance  from  an  arm  like  mine; 
But  grateful  as  I  am  for  this  great  service, 
I  cannot  leave  thee  now,  and  shrink  from  peril, 
That  would  be  baseness  which  I  could  not  bear." 

It  was  on  the  same  night  that  Rustem  and  Byzun,  and  seven 
of  his  warriors,  proceeded  against  that  part  of  the  palace  in 
which  the  tyrant  slept.  He  first  put  to  death  the  watchman, 
and  also  killed  a  great  number  of  the  guard,  and  a  loud  voice 
presently  resounded  in  the  chamber  of  the  king : — "  Awake 
from  thy  slumbers,  Afrasiyab,  Byzun  has  been  freed  from  his 
chains."  Rustem  now  entered  the  royal  palace,  and  openly 
declaring  his  name,  exclaimed : — "  I  am  come,  Afrasiyab,  to 
destroy  thee,  and  Byzun  is  also  here  to  do  thee  service  for  thy 
cruelty  to  him."  The  death-note  awoke  the  trembling  Afra- 
siyab, and  he  rose  up^  and  fled  in  dismay.  Rustem  and  his 
»  companions  rushed  into  the  inner  apartments,  and  captured  all 
/  the  blooming  damsels  of  the  shubistan,  and  all  the  jewels  and 
golden  ornaments  which  fell  in  their  way.  The  moon-faced 
beauties  were  sent  to  Zabul ;  but  the  jewels  and  other  valuable 
property  were  reserved  for  the  king. 


THE   SHAH    N^MEH  223 

In  the  morning  Afrasiyab  hastily  collected  together  his  troops 
and  marched  against  Rustem,  who,  with  Byzun  and  his  thou- 
sand warriors,  met  him  on  the  plain  prepared  for  battle.  The 
champion  challenged  any  one  who  would  come  forward  to 
single  combat;  but  though  frequently  repeated,  no  attention 
was  paid  to  the  call.  At  length  Rustem  said  to  Afrasiyab : — 
"  Art  thou  not  ashamed  to  avoid  a  contest  with  so  inferior  a 
force,  a  hundred  thousand  against  one  thousand  ?  We  two,  and 
our  armies,  have  often  met,  and  dost  thou  now  shrink  from  the 
fight  ?  "  The  reproach  had  its  effect, 

For  the  tyrant  at  once,  and  his  heroes,  began 
Their  attack  like  the  demons  of  Mazinderan. 

But  the  valor  and  the  bravery  of  Rustem  were  so  eminently 
shown,  that  he  overthrew  thousands  of  the  enemy. 

In  the  tempest  of  battle,  disdaining  all  fear, 

With  his  kamund,  and  khanjer,  his  garz,  and  shamshir, 

\  How  he  bound,  stabbed,  and  crushed,  and  dissevered  the  foe, 

\So  mighty  his  arm,  and  so  fatal  his  blow. 

And  so  dreadful  was  the  carnage,  that  Afrasiyab,  unable  to 
resist  his  victorious  career,  was  compelled  to  seek  safety  in 
flight. 

The  field  was  red  with  blood,  the  Tartar  banners 
Cast  on  the  ground,  and  when,  with  grief,  he  saw 
The  face  of  Fortune  turned,  his  cohorts  slain, 
He  hurried  back,  and  sought  Turan  again. 

Rustem  having  obtained  another  triumph,  returned  to  Iran 
with  the  spoils  of  his  conquest,  and  was  again  honored  with 
the  smiles  and  rewards  of  his  sovereign.  Manijeh  was  not  for- 
gotten ;  she,  too,  received  a  present  worthy  of  the  virtue  and 
fidelity  she  had  displayed,  and  of  the  magnanimity  of  her  spirit ; 
and  the  happy  conclusion  of  the  enterprise  was  celebrated  with 
festivity  and  rejoicing. 


224  FIRDUSI 


BARZU,  AND   HIS  CONFLICT  WITH   RUSTEM 

AFRASIYAB  after  his  defeat  pursued  his  way  in  despair 
towards  Chin  and  Ma-chin,  and  on  the  road  happened 
to  fall  in  with  a  man  of  huge  and  terrific  stature. 
Amazed  at  the  sight  of  so  extraordinary  a  being,  he  asked  him 
who  and  what  he  was."  "  I  am  a  villager,"  replied  the  stranger. 
"  And  thy  father  ?  " — "  I  do  not  know  my  father.  My  mother 
has  never  mentioned  his  name,  and  my  birth  is  wrapped  in 
mystery."  Afrasiyab  then  addressed  him  as  follows : — "  It  is 
my  misfortune  to  have  a  bitter  and  invincible  enemy,  who  has 
plunged  me  into  the  greatest  distress.  If  he  could  be  subdued, 
there  would  be  no  impediment  to  my  conquest  of  Iran ;  and  I 
,  feel  assured  that  thou,  apparently  endued  with  such  prodigious 
strength,  hast  the  power  to  master  him.  His  name  is  Rustem." 
"  What !  "  rejoined  Barzu,  "  is  all  this  concern  and  affliction 
about  one  man — about  one  man  only  ?  "  "  Yes,"  answered 
Afrasiyab ;  "  but  that  one  man  is  equal  to  a  hundred  strong 
men.  Upon  him  neither  sword,  nor  mace,  nor  javelin  has  any 
effect.  In  battle  he  is  like  a  mountain  of  steel."  At  this  Barzu 
exclaimed  in  gamesome  mood : — "  A  mountain  of  steel ! — I  can 
reduce  to  dust  a  hundred  mountains  of  steel ! — What  is  a  moun- 
tain of  steel  to  me !  "  Afrasiyab  rejoiced  to  find  such  confidence 
in  the  stranger,  and  instantly  promised  him  his  own  daughter  in 
marriage,  and  the  monarchy  of  Chin  and  Ma-chin,  if  he  suc- 
ceeded in  destroying  Rustem.  Barzu  replied: — 

"  Thou  art  but  a  coward  slave, 
Thus  a  stranger's  aid  to  crave. 
And  thy  soldiers,  what  are  they? 
Heartless  on  the  battle-day. 
Thou,  the  prince  of  such  a  host! 
What,  alas!   hast  thou  to  boast? 
Art  thou  not  ashamed  to  wear 
The  regal  crown  that  glitters  there? 
And  dost  thou  not  disgrace  the  throne 
Thus  to  be  awed,  and  crushed  by  one; 
By  one,  whate'er  his  name  or  might, 
Thus  to  be  put  to  shameful  flight!  " 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  225 

Afrasiyab  felt  keenly  the  reproaches  which  he  heard;  but, 
nevertheless,  solicited  the  assistance  of  Barzu,  who  declared 
that  he  would  soon  overpower  Rustem,  and  place  the  empire  of 
Iran  under  the  dominion  of  the  Tartar  king.  He  would,  he 
said,  overflow  the  land  of  Persia  with  blood,  and  take  posses- 
sion of  the  throne !  The  despot  was  intoxicated  with  delight, 
and  expecting  his  most  sanguine  wishes  would  be  realized, 
made  him  the  costliest  presents,  consisting  of  gold  and  jewels, 
and  horses,  and  elephants,  so  that  the  besotted  stranger  thought 
himself  the  greatest  personage  in  all  the  world.  But  his  mother, 
when  she  heard  these  things,  implored  him  to  be  cautious : — 

"  My  son,  these  presents,  though  so  rich  and  rare, 
Will  be  thy  winding-sheet;    beware,  beware! 
They'll  drive  to  madness  thy  poor  giddy  brain, 
And  thou  wilt  never  be  restored  again. 
Never;  for  wert  thou  bravest  of  the  brave, 
They  only  lead  to  an  untimely  grave. 
Then  give  them  back,  nor  such  a  doom  provoke, 
Beware  of  Rustem's  host-destroying  stroke. 
Has  he  not  conquered  demons! — and,  alone, 
Afrasiyab's  best  warriors  overthrown! 
And  canst  thou  equal  them? — Alas!  the  day 
That  thy  sweet  life  should  thus  be  thrown  away." 

Barzu,  however,  was  too  much  dazzled  by  the  presents  he  had 
received,  and  too  vain  of  his  own  personal  strength  to  attend  to 
his  mother's  advice.  "  Certainly,"  said  he,  "  the  disposal  of 
our  lives  is  in  the  hands  of  the  Almighty,  and  as  certain  it  is 
that  my  strength  is  superior  to  that  of  Rustem.  Would  it  not 
then  be  cowardly  to  decline  the  contest  with  him  ?  "  The 
mother  still  continued  to  dissuade  him  from  the  enterprise,  and 
assured  him  that  Rustem  was  above  all  mankind  distinguished 
for  the  art,  and  skill,  and  dexterity,  with  which  he  attacked  his 
enemy,  and  defended  himself ;  and  that  there  was  no  chance  of 
his  being  overcome  by  a  man  entirely  ignorant  of  the  science 
of  fighting;  but  Barzu  remained  unmoved:  yet  he  told  the 
king  what  his  mother  had  said  ;  and  Afrasiyab,  in  consequence, 
deemed  it  proper  to  appoint  two  celebrated  masters  to  instruct 
him  in  the  use  of  the  bow,  the  sword,  and  the  javelin,  and  also 
in  wrestling  and  throwing  the  noose.  Every  day,  clothed  in 
armor,  he  tried  his  skill  and  strength  with  the  warriors,  and 
after  ten  days  he  was  sufficiently  accomplished  to  overthrow 
VOL.  I.— 15 


226  FIRDUSI 

eighteen  of  them  at  one  time.  Proud  of  the  progress  he  had 
made,  he  told  the  king  that  he  would  seize  and  bind  eighteen 
of  his  stoutest  and  most  experienced  teachers,  and  bring  them 
before  him,  if  he  wished,  when  all  the  assembly  exclaimed : — 
"  No  doubt  he  is  fully  equal  to  the  task ; 

He  does  not  seem  of  human  birth,  but  wears 
The  aspect  of  the  Evil  One;  and  looks 
Like  Alberz  mountain,  clad  in  folds  of  mail; 
Unwearied  in  the  fight  he  conquers  all." 

Afrasiyab's  satisfaction  was  increased  by  this  testimony  to 
the  merit  of  Barzu,  and  he  heaped  upon  him  further  tokens  of 
his  good-will  and  munificence.  The  vain,  newly-made  warrior 
was  all  exultation  and  delight,  and  said  impatiently: — 

"  Delays  are  ever  dangerous — let  us  meet 
The  foe  betimes,  this  Rustem  and  the  king, 
Kai-khosrau.     If  we  linger  in  a  cause 
Demanding  instant  action,  prompt  appliance, 
And  rapid  execution,  we  are  lost. 
Advance,  and  I  will  soon  lop  off  the  heads 
Of  this  belauded  champion  and  his  king, 
And  cast  them,  with  the  Persian  crown  and  throne 
Trophies  of  glory,  at  thy  royal  feet; 
So  that  Tiiran  alone  shall  rule  the  world." 

Speedily  ten  thousand  experienced  horsemen  were  selected 
and  placed  under  the  command  of  Barzu ;  and  Human  and 
Barman  were  appointed  to  accompany  him ;  Af rasiyab  himself 
intending  to  follow  with  the  reserve. 

When  the  intelligence  of  this  new  expedition  reached  the 
court  of  Kai-khosrau,  he  was  astonished,  and  could  not  conceive 
how,  after  so  signal  a  defeat  and  overthrow,  Afrasiyab  had  the 
means  of  collecting  another  army,  and  boldly  invading  his 
kingdom.  To  oppose  this  invasion,  however,  he  ordered  Tus 
and  Friburz,  with  twelve  thousand  horsemen,  and  marched 
after  them  himself  with  a  large  army.  As  soon  as  Tus  fell  in 
with  the  enemy  the  battle  commenced,  and  lasted,  with  great 
carnage,  a  whole  day  and  night,  and  in  the  end  Barzu  was 
victorious.  The  warriors  of  the  Persian  force  fled,  and  left  Tus 
and  Friburz  alone  on  the  field,  where  they  were  encountered  by 
the  conqueror,  taken  prisoners,  and  bound,  and  placed  in  the 
charge  of  Human.  The  tidings  of  the  result  of  this  conflict 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  227 

were  received  with  as  much  rejoicing  by  Afrasiyab,  as  with  sor- 
row and  consternation  by  Kai-khosrau.  And  now  the  emer- 
gency, on  the  Persian  side,  demanded  the  assistance  of  Rustem, 
whose  indignation  was  roused,  and  who  determined  on  revenge 
for  the  insult  that  had  been  given.  He  took  with  him  Gusta- 
hem,  the  brother  of  Tus,  and  at  midnight  thought  he  had  come 
to  the  tent  of  Barzu,  but  it  proved  to  be  the  pavilion  of  Afra- 
siyab, who  was  seen  seated  on  his  throne,  with  Barzu  on  his 
right  hand,  and  Piran-wisah  on  his  left,  and  Tus  and  Friburz 
standing  in  chains  before  them.  The  king  said  to  the  captive 
warriors :  "  To-morrow  you  shall  both  be  put  to  death  in 
the  manner  I  slew  Saiawush."  He  then  retired.  Meanwhile 
Rustem  returned  thanks  to  Heaven  that  his  friends  were  still 
alive,  and  requesting  Gustahem  to  follow  cautiously,  he  waited 
awhile  for  a  fit  opportunity,  till  the  watchman  was  off  his 
guard,  and  then  killing  him,  he  and  Gustahem  took  up  and 
conveyed  the  two  prisoners  to  a  short  distance,  where  they 
knocked  off  their  chains,  and  then  conducted  them  back  to 
Kai-khosrau. 

When  Afrasiyab  arose  from  sleep,  he  found  his  warriors  in 
close  and  earnest  conversation,  and  was  told  that  a  champion 
from  Persia  had  come  and  killed  the  watchman,  and  carried 
off  the  prisoners.  Piran  exclaimed :  "  Then  assuredly  that 
champion  is  Rustem,  and  no  other."  Afrasiyab  writhed  with 
anger  and  mortification  at  this  intelligence,  and  sending  for 
Barzu,  despatched  his  army  to  attack  the  enemy,  and  challenge 
Rustem  to  single  combat.  Rustem  was  with  the  Persian 
troops,  and,  answering  the  summons,  said :  "  Young  man,  if 
thou  art  calling  for  Rustem,  behold  I  come  in  his  place  to  lay 
thee  prostrate  on  the  earth."  "  Ah !  "  rejoined  Barzu,  "  and 
why  this  threat?  It  is  true  I  am  but  of  te'nder  years,  whilst 
thou  art  aged  and  experienced.  But  if  thou  art  fire,  I  am 
water,  and  able  to  quench  thy  flames."  Saying  this  he  wielded 
his  bow,  and  fixed  the  arrow  in  its  notch,  and  commenced  the 
strife.  Rustem  also  engaged  with  bow  and  arrows ;  and  then 
they  each  had  recourse  to  their  maces,  which  from  repeated 
strokes  were  soon  bent  as  crooked  as  their  bows,  and  they  were 
themselves  nearly  exhausted.  Their  next  encounter  was  by 
wrestling,  and  dreadful  were  the  wrenches  and  grasps  they 
received  from  each  other.  Barzu  finding  no  advantage  from 
this  struggle,  raised  his  mace,  and  struck  Rustem  such  a  pro- 


228  FIRDUSI 

digious  blow  on  the  head,  that  the  champion  thought  a  whole 
mountain  had  fallen  upon  him.  One  arm  was  disabled,  but 
though  the  wound  was  desperate,  Rustem  had  the  address  to 
conceal  its  effects,  and  Barzu  wondered  that  he  had  made  ap- 
parently so  little  impression  on  his  antagonist.  "  Thou  art," 
said  he,  "  a  surprising  warrior,  and  seemingly  invulnerable. 
Had  I  struck  such  a  blow  on  a  mountain,  it  would  have  been 
broken  into  a  thousand  fragments,  and  yet  it  makes  no  impres- 
sion upon  thee.  Heaven  forbid !  "  he  continued  to  himself, 
"  that  I  should  ever  receive  so  bewildering  a  stroke  upon  my 
own  head !  "  Rustem  having  successfully  concealed  the  an- 
guish of  his  wound,  artfully  observed  that  it  would  be  better 
to  finish  the  combat  on  the  following  day,  to  which  Barzu  read- 
ily agreed,  and  then  they  both  parted. 

Barzu  declared  to  Afrasiyab  that  his  extraordinary  vigor 
and  strength  had  been  of  no  account,  for  both  his  antagonist 
and  his  horse  appeared  to  be  composed  of  materials  as  hard  as 
flint.  Every  blow  was  without  effect ;  and  "  Heaven  only 
knows,"  added  he,  "  what  may  be  the  result  of  to-morrow's 
conflict."  On  the  other  hand  Rustem  showed  his  lacerated 
arm  to  Khosrau,  and  said :  "  I  have  escaped  from  him ;  but 
who  else  is  there  now  to  meet  him,  and  finish  the  struggle? 
Feramurz,  my  son,  cannot  fulfil  my  promise  with  Barzu,  as  he, 
alas!  is  fighting  in  Hindustan.  Let  me,  however,  call  him 
hither,  and  in  the  meanwhile,  on  some  pretext  or  other,  delay 
the  engagement."  The  king,  in  great  sorrow  and  affliction, 
sanctioned  his  departure,  and  then  said  to  his  warriors :  "  I 
will  fight  this  Barzu  myself  to-morrow ; "  but  Gudarz  would 
not  consent  to  it,  saying:  "  As  long  as  we  live,  the  king  must 
not  be  exposed  to  such  hazard.  Giw  and  Byzun,  and  the  other 
chiefs,  must  first  successively  encounter  the  enemy." 

When  Rustem  reached  his  tent,  he  told  his  brother  Zuara  to 
get  ready  a  litter,  that  he  might  proceed  to  Sistan  for  the  pur- 
pose of  obtaining  a  remedy  for  his  wound  from  the  Simurgh. 
Pain  and  grief  kept  him  awake  all  night,  and  he  prayed  inces- 
santly to  the  Supreme  Being.  In  the  morning  early,  Zuara 
brought  him  intelligence  of  the  welcome  arrival  of  Feramurz, 
which  gladdened  his  heart;  and  as  the  youth  had  undergone 
great  fatigue  on  his  long  journey,  Rustem  requested  him  to 
repose  awhile,  and  he  himself,  freed  from  anxiety,  also  sought 
relief  in  a  sound  sleep. 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  229 

A  few  hours  afterwards  both  armies  were  again  drawn  up, 
and  Barzu,  like  a  mad  elephant,  full  of  confidence  and  pride, 
rode  forward  to  resume  the  combat;  whilst  Rustem  gave  in- 
structions to  Feramurz  how  he  was  to  act.  He  attired  him  in 
his  own  armor,  supplied  him  with  his  own  weapons,  and 
mounted  him  on  Rakush,  and  told  him  to  represent  himself  to 
Barzu  as  the  warrior  who  had  engaged  him  the  day  before. 
Accordingly  Feramurz  entered  the  middle  space,  clothed  in 
his  father's  mail,  raised  his  bow,  ready  bent,  and  shot  an  arrow 
at  Barzu,  crying:  "Behold  thy  adversary!  I  am  the  man 
come  to  try  thy  strength  again.  Advance !  "  To  this  Barzu 
replied :  "  Why  this  hilarity,  and  great  flow  of  spirits  ?  Art 
thou  reckless  of  thy  life?"  "  In  the  eyes  of  warriors,"  said 
Feramurz,  "  the  field  of  fight  is  the  mansion  of  pleasure.  After 
I  yesterday  parted  from  thee  I  drank  wine  with  my  compan- 
ions, and  the  impression  of  delight  still  remains  on  my  heart. 

"  Wine  exhilarates  the  soul, 
Makes  the  eye  with  pleasure  roll; 
Lightens  up  the  darkest  mien, 
Fills  with  joy  the  dullest  scene; 
Hence  it  is  I  meet  thee  now 
With  a  smile  upon  my  brow." 

Barzu,  however,  thought  that  the  voice  and  action  of  his 
adversary  were  not  the  same  as  he  had  heard  and  seen  the  pre- 
ceding day,  although  there  was  no  difference  in  the  armor  or 
the  horse,  and  therefore  he  said :  "  Perhaps  the  cavalier  whom 
I  encountered  yesterday  is  wounded  or  dead,  that  thou  hast 
mounted  his  charger,  and  attired  thyself  in  his  mail."  "  In- 
deed," rejoined  Feramurz,  "  perhaps  thou  hast  lost  thy  wits ;  I 
am  certainly  the  person  who  engaged  thee  yesterday,  and  almost 
extinguished  thee ;  and  with  God's  favor  thou  shalt  be  a  dead 
man  to-day."  "  What  is  thy  name  ?  "  "  My  name  is  Rustem, 
descended  from  a  race  of  warriors,  and  my  pleasure  consists  in 
contending  with  the  lions  of  battle,  and  shedding  the  blood  of 
heroes."  Thus  saying,  Feramurz  rushed  on  his  adversary, 
struck  him  several  blows  with  his  battle-axe,  and  drawing  his 
noose  from  the  saddle-strap  with  the  quickness  of  lightning, 
secured  his  prize.  He  might  have  put  an  end  to  his  existence 
in  a  moment,  but  preferred  taking  him  alive,  and  showing  him 
as  a  captive.  Afrasiyab  seeing  the  perilous  condition  of 


230 


FIRDUSI 


Barzu,  came  up  with  his  whole  army  to  his  rescue ;  but  Kai- 
khosrau  was  equally  on  the  alert,  accompanied  by  Rustem, 
who,  advancing  to  the  support  of  Feramurz,  threw  another 
noose  round  the  neck  of  the  already-captured  Barzu,  to  pre- 
vent the  possibility  of  his  escape.  Both  armies  now  engaged, 
and  the  Turanians  made  many  desperate  efforts  to  recover 
their  gigantic  leader,  but  all  their  manoeuvres  were  fruitless. 
The  struggle  continued  fiercely,  and  with  great  slaughter,  till 
it  was  dark,  and  then  ceased ;  the  two  kings  returned  back  to 
the  respective  positions  they  had  taken  up  before  the  conflict 
took  place.  The  Turanians  were  in  the  deepest  grief  for  the 
loss  of  Barzu;  and  Piran-wisah  having  recommended  an  im- 
mediate retreat  across  the  Jihun,  Afrasiyab  followed  his  coun- 
sel, and  precipitately  quitted  Persia  with  all  his  troops. 

Kai-khosrau  ordered  a  grand  banquet  on  the  occasion  of  the 
victory ;  and  when  Barzu  was  brought  before  him,  he  com- 
manded his  immediate  execution ;  but  Rustem,  seeing  that  he 
was  very  young,  and  thinking  that  he  had  not  yet  been  cor- 
rupted and  debased  by  the  savage  example  of  the  Turanians, 
requested  that  he  might  be  spared,  and  given  to  him  to  send 
into  Sistan ;  and  his  request  was  promptly  complied  with. 

When  the  mother  of  Barzu,  whose  name  was  Shah-ru,  heard 
that  her  son  was  a  prisoner,  she  wept  bitterly,  and  hastened  to 
Iran,  and  from  thence  to  Sistan.  There  happened  to  be  in 
Rustem's  employ  a  singing-girl,*  an  old  acquaintance  of  hers, 
to  whom  she  was  much  attached,  and  to  whom  she  made  large 
presents,  calling  her  by  the  most  endearing  epithets,  in  order 
that  she  might  be  brought  to  serve  her  in  the  important  matter 
she  had  in  contemplation.  Her  object  was  soon  explained, 
and  the  preliminaries  at  once  adjusted,  and  by  the  hands  of 
this  singing-girl  she  secretly  sent  some  food  to  Barzu,  in  which 
she  concealed  a  ring,  to  apprise  him  of  her  being  near  him. 
On  finding  the  ring,  he  asked  who  had  supplied  him  with  the 
food,  and  her  answer  was :  "  A  woman  recently  arrived  from 
Ma-chin."  This  was  to  him  delightful  intelligence,  and  he 
could  not  help  exclaiming,  "  That  woman  is  my  mother,  I  am 
grateful  for  thy  services,  but  another  time  bring  me,  if  thou 
canst,  a  large  file,  that  I  may  be  able  to  free  myself  from  these 
chains."  The  singing-girl  promised  her  assistance ;  and  hav- 

*  Theocritus  introduces  a  Greek  sing-  Caliph  is  represented  at  his  feasts  sur- 
ing-girl  in  Idyllium,  xv.  at  the  festival  rounded  by  troops  of  the  most  beautiful 
of  Adonis.  In  the  Arabian  Nights,  the  females  playing  on  various  instruments. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  231 

ing  told  Shah-ru  what  her  son  required,  conveyed  to  him  a  file, 
and  resolved  to  accompany  him  in  his  flight.  Barzu  then  re- 
quested that  three  fleet  horses  might  be  provided  and  kept 
ready  under  the  walls,  at  a  short  distance ;  and  this  being  also 
done,  in  the  night,  he  and  his  mother,  and  the  singing-girl, 
effected  their  escape,  and  pursued  their  course  towards  Turan. 
It  so  happened  that  Rustem  was  at  this  time  in  progress 
between  Iran  and  Sistan,  hunting  for  his  own  pleasure  the  elk 
or  wild  ass,  and  he  accidentally  fell  in  with  the  refugees,  who 
made  an  attempt  to  avoid  him,  but,  unable  to  effect  their  pur- 
pose, thought  proper  to  oppose  him  with  all  their  might,  and 
a  sharp  contest  ensued.  Both  parties  becoming  fatigued,  they 
rested  awhile,  when  Rustem  asked  Barzu  how  he  had  obtained 
his  liberty.  "  The  Almighty  freed  me  from  the  bondage  I 
endured."  "And  who  are  these  two  women?"  "One  of 
them,"  replied  Barzu,  "  is  my  mother,  and  that  is  a  singing- 
girl  of  thy  own  house."  Rustem  went  aside,  and  called  for 
breakfast,  and  thinking  in  his  own  mind  that  it  would  be  ex- 
pedient to  poison  Barzu,  mixed  up  a  deleterious  substance  in 
some  food,  and  sent  it  to  him  to  eat.  He  was  just  going  to 
take  it,  when  his  mother  cried,  "  My  son,  beware !  "  and  he 
drew  his  hand  from  the  dish.  But  the  singing-girl  did  eat  part 
of  it,  and  died  on  the  spot.  Upon  witnessing  this  appalling 
scene,  Barzu  sprang  forward  with  indignation,  and  reproached 
Rustem  for  his  treachery  in  the  severest  terms. 

"  Old  man!  hast  thou  mid  warrior-chiefs  a  place, 
And  dost  thou  practice  that  which  brings  disgrace? 
Hast  thou  no  fear  of  a  degraded  name, 
No  fear  of  lasting  obloquy  and  shame? 
O,  thou  canst  have  no  hope  in  God,  when  thou 
Stand'st  thus  defiled — dishonoured,  false,  as  now; 
Unfair,  perfidious,  art  thou  too,  in  strife, 
By  any  pretext  thou  wouldst  take  my  life!  " 

He  then  in  a  menacing  attitude  exclaimed :  "  If  thou  art 
a  man,  rise  and  fight !  "  Rustem  felt  ashamed  on  being  thus 
detected,  and  rose  up  frowning  in  scorn.  They  met,  brandish- 
ing their  battle-axes,  and  looking  as  black  as  the  clouds  of 
night.  They  then  dismounted  to  wrestle,  and  fastening  the 
bridles,  each  to  his  own  girdle,  furiously  grasped  each  other's 
loins  and  limbs,  straining  and  struggling  for  the  mastery. 
Whilst  they  were  thus  engaged,  their  horses  betrayed  equal  ani- 


232 


FIRDUSI 


mosity,  and  attacked  each  other  with  great  violence.  Rakush 
bit  and  kicked  Barzu's  steed  so  severely  that  he  strove  to  gal- 
lop away,  dragging  his  master,  who  was  at  the  same  time  under 
the  excruciating'  grip  of  Rustem.  "  O,  release  me  for  a  mo- 
ment till  I  am  disentangled  from  my  horse,"  exclaimed  Barzu ; 
but  Rustem  heeding  him  not,  now  pressed  him  down  beneath 
him,  and  was  preparing  to  give  him  the  finishing  blow  by  cut- 
ting off  his  head,  when  the  mother  seeing  the  fatal  moment 
approach,  shrieked,  and  cried  out,  "  Forbear,  Rustem !  this 
youth  is  the  son  of  Sohrab,  and  thy  own  grandchild !  Forbear, 
and  bring  not  on  thyself  the  devouring  anguish  which  followed 
the  death  of  his  unhappy  father. 

"  Think  of  Sohrab!  take  not  the  precious  life 
Of  sire  and  son — unnatural  is  the  strife; 
Restrain,  for  mercy's  sake,  that  furious  mood, 
And  pause  before  thou  shedd'st  a  kinsman's  blood." 

"  Ah !  "  rejoined  Rustem,  "  can  that  be  true  ?  "  upon  which 
Shah-ru  showed  him  Sohrab's  brilliant  finger-ring  and  he  was 
satisfied.  He  then  pressed  Barzu  warmly  and  affectionately 
to  his  breast,  and  kissed  his  head  and  eyes,  and  took  him  along 
with  him  to  Sistan,  where  he  placed  him  in  a  station  of  honor, 
and  introduced  him  to  his  great-grandfather  Zal,  who  received 
and  caressed  him  with  becoming  tenderness  and  regard. 


THE  SHAH   N^MEH  233 


SUSEN  AND  AFRASIYAB 

SOON  after  Afrasiyab  had  returned  defeated  into  Turin, 
grievously   lamenting  the   misfortune   which   had   de- 
prived him  of  the  assistance  of  Barzu,  a  woman  named 
Susen,  deeply  versed  in  magic  and  sorcery,  came  to  him,  and 
promised  by  her  potent  art  to  put  him  in  the  way  of  destroying 
Rustem  and  his  whole  family. 

"  Fighting  disappointment  brings, 
Sword  and  mace  are  useless  things; 
If  thou  wouldst  a  conqueror  be, 
Monarch!  put  thy  trust  in  me; 
Soon  the  mighty  chief  shall  bleed — 
Spells  and  charms  will  do  the  deed! " 

Afrasiyab  at  first  refused  to  avail  himself  of  her  power,  but  wcis 
presently  induced,  by  a  manifestation  of  her  skill,  to  consent 
to  what  she  proposed.  She  required  that  a  distinguished  war- 
rior should  be  sent  along  with  her,  furnished  with  abundance 
of  treasure,  honorary  tokens  and  presents,  so  that  none  might 
be  aware  that  she  was  employed  on  the  occasion.  Afrasiyab 
appointed  Pilsam,  duly  supplied  with  the  requisites,  and  the 
warrior  and  the  sorceress  set  off  on  their  journey,  people  being 
stationed  conveniently  on  the  road  to  hasten  the  first  tidings 
of  their  success  to  the  king.  Their  course  was  towards  Sistan, 
and  arriving  at  a  fort,  they  took  possession  of  a  commodious 
residence,  in  which  they  placed  the  wealth  and  property  they 
had  brought,  and,  establishing  a  house  of  entertainment,  all 
travellers  who  passed  that  way  were  hospitably  and  sumptu- 
ously regaled  by  them. 

For  sparkling  wine,  and  viands  rare, 
And  mellow  fruit,  abounded  there. 

It  is  recorded  that  Rustem  had  invited  to  a  magnificent  feast 
at  his  palace  in  Sistan  a  large  company  of  the  most  celebrated 
heroes  of  the  kingdom,  and  amongst  them  happened  to  be  Tus, 
whom  the  king  had  deputed  to  the  champion  on  some  im- 
portant state  affairs.  Gudarz  was  also  present;  and  between 


234 


FIRDUSI 


him  and  Tus,  ever  hostile  to  each  other,  a  dispute  as  usual  took 
place.  The  latter,  always  boasting  of  his  ancestry,  reviled  the 
old  warrior  and  said,  "  I  am  the  son  of  Nauder,  and  the  grand- 
son of  Feridun,  whilst  thou  art  but  the  son  of  Kavah,  the  black- 
smith;— why  then  dost  thou  put  thyself  on  a  footing  with 
me  ?  "  Gudarz,  in  reply,  poured  upon  him  reproaches  equally 
irritating,  accused  him  of  ignorance  and  folly,  and  roused  the 
anger  of  the  prince  to  such  a  degree  that  he  drew  his  dagger 
to  punish  the  offender,  when  Reham  started  up  and  prevented 
the  intended  bloodshed.  This  interposition  increased  his 
rage,  and  in  serious  dudgeon  he  retired  from  the  banquet,  and 
set  off  on  his  return  to  Iran. 

Rustem  was  not  present  at  the  time,  but  when  he  heard  of 
the  altercation  and  the  result  of  it,  he  was  very  angry,  saying 
that  Gudarz  was  a  relation  of  the  family,  and  Tus  his  guest, 
and  therefore  wrong  had  been  done,  since  a  guest  ought  al- 
ways to  be  protected.  "  A  guest,"  he  said,  "  ought  to  be  held 
as  sacred  as  the  king,  and  it  is  the  custom  of  heroes  to  treat  a 
guest  with  the  most  scrupulous  respect  and  consideration — 

For  a  guest  is  the  king  of  the  feast." 

He  then  requested  Gudarz  to  go  after  Tus,  and  by  fair  words 
and  proper  excuses  bring  him  back  to  his  festive  board.  Ac- 
cordingly Gudarz  departed.  No  sooner  had  he  gone  than  Giw 
rose  up,  and  said,  "  Tus  is  little  better  than  a  madman,  and  my 
father  of  a  hasty  temper ;  I  should  therefore  wish  to  follow,  to 
prevent  the  possibility  of  further  disagreement."  To  this 
Rustem  consented.  Byzun  was  now  also  anxious  to  go,  and 
he  too  got  permission.  When  all  the  three  had  departed,  Rus- 
tem began  to  be  apprehensive  that  something  unpleasant 
would  occur,  and  thought  it  prudent  to  send  Feramurz  to  pre- 
serve the  peace.  Zal  then  came  forward,  and  thinking  that 
Tus,  the  descendant  of  the  Kais  and  his  revered  guest,  might 
not  be  easily  prevailed  upon  to  return  either  by  Gudarz,  Giw, 
Byzun,  or  Feramurz,  resolved  to  go  himself  and  soothe  the 
temper  which  had  been  so  injudiciously  and  rudely  ruffled  at  the 
banquet. 

When  Tus,  on  his  journey  from  Rustem's  palace,  ap- 
proached the  residence  of  Susen  the  sorceress,  he  beheld  num- 
erous cooks  and  confectioners  on  every  side,  preparing  all 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  235 

kinds  of  rich  and  rare  dishes  of  food,  and  every  species  of 
sweetmeat ;  and  enquiring  to  whom  they  belonged,  he  was  told 
that  the  place  was  occupied  by  the  wife  of  a  merchant  from 
Turan,  who  was  extremely  wealthy,  and  who  entertained  in 
the  most  sumptuous  manner  every  traveller  who  passed  that 
way.  Hungry,  and  curious  to  see  what  was  going  on,  Tus 
dismounted,  and  leaving  his  horse  with  the  attendants,  entered 
the  principal  apartment,  where  he  saw  a  fascinating  female, 
and  was  transported  with  joy. — She  was 

Tall  as  the  graceful  cypress,  and  as  bright, 
As  ever  struck  a  lover's  ravished  sight; 
Why  of  her  musky  locks  or  ringlets  tell? 
Each  silky  hair  itself  contained  a  spell. 
Why  of  her  face  so  beautifully  fair? 
Wondering  he  saw  the  moon's  refulgence  there. 

As  soon  as  his  transports  had  subsided  he  sat  down  before 
her,  and  asked  her  who  she  was,  and  upon  what  adventure  she 
was  engaged ;  and  she  answered  that  she  was  a  singing-girl, 
that  a  wealthy  merchant  some  time  ago  had  fallen  in  love  with 
and  married  her,  and  soon  afterwards  died ;  that  Afrasiyab,  the 
king,  had  since  wished  to  take  her  into  his  harem,  which 
alarmed  her,  and  she  had  in  consequence  fled  from  his  country ; 
she  was  willing,  however,  she  said,  to  become  the  handmaid 
of  Kai-khosrau,  he  being  a  true  king,  and  of  a  sweet  and  gentle 
temper. 

"  A  persecuted  damsel  I, 

Thus  the  detested  tyrant  fly, 

And  hastening  from  impending  woes, 

In  happy  Persia  seek  repose; 

For  long  as  cherished  life  remains, 

Pleasure  must  smile  where  Khosrau  reigns. 

Thence  did  I  from  my  home  depart, 

To  please  and  bless  a  Persian  heart." 

The  deception  worked  effectually  on  the  mind  of  Tus,  and 
he  at  once  entered  into  the  notion  of  escorting  her  to  Kai- 
khosrau.  But  he  was  immediately  supplied  with  charmed 
viands  and  goblets  of  rich  wine,  which  he  had  not  the  power 
to  resist,  till  his  senses  forsook  him,  and  then  Pilsam  appeared, 
and,  binding  him  with  cords,  conveyed  him  safely  and  secretly 
into  the  interior  of  the  fort.  In  a  short  time  Gudarz  arrived, 
and  he  too  was  received  and  treated  in  the  same  manner.  Then 


236  FIRDUSI 

Giw  and  Byzun  were  seized  and  secured ;  and  after  them  came 
Zal :  but  notwithstanding  the  enticements  that  were  used,  and 
the  attractions  that  presented  themselves,  he  would  neither 
enter  the  enchanted  apartment,  nor  taste  the  enchanted  food 
or  wine. 

The  bewitching  cup  was  filled  to  the  brim, 
But  the  magic  draught  had  no  charms  for  him. 

A  person  whispered  in  his  ear  that  the  woman  had  already 
wickedly  got  into  her  power  several  warriors,  and  he  felt  as- 
sured that  they  were  his  own  friends.  To  be  revenged  for  this 
treachery  he  rushed  forward,  and  would  have  seized  hold  of 
the  sorceress,  but  she  fled  into  the  fort  and  fastened  the  gate. 
He  instantly  sent  a  messenger  to  Rustem,  explaining  the  per- 
plexity in  which  he  was  involved,  and  exerting  all  his  strength, 
broke  down  the  gate  that  had  just  been  closed  against  him. 
as  soon  as  the  passage  was  opened,  out  rushed  Pilsam,  who 
with  his  mace  commenced  a  furious  battle  with  Zal,  in  which 
he  nearly  overpowered  him,  when  Feramurz  reached  the  spot, 
and  telling  the  venerable  old  warrior  to  stand  aside,  took  his 
place,  and  fought  with  Pilsam  without  intermission  all  day, 
and  till  they  were  parted  by  the  darkness  of  night. 

Early  in  the  morning  Rustem,  accompanied  by  Barzu,  ar- 
rived from  Sistan,  and  entering  the  fort,  called  aloud  for  Pil- 
sam. He  also  sent  Feramurz  to  Kai-khosrau  to  inform  him 
of  what  had  occurred.  Pilsam  at  length  issued  forth,  and  at- 
tacked the  champion.  They  first  fought  with  bows  and 
arrows,  with  javelins  next,  and  then  successively  with  maces, 
and  swords,  and  daggers.  The  contest  lasted  the  whole  day ; 
and  when  at  night  they  parted,  neither  had  gained  the  victory. 
The  next  morning  immense  clouds  of  dust  were  seen,  and  they 
were  found  to  be  occasioned  by  Afrasiyab  and  his  army  march- 
ing to  the  spot.  Rustem  appointed  Barzu  to  proceed  with  his 
Zabul  troops  against  him,  whilst  he  himself  encountered  Pil- 
sam. The  strife  between  the  two  was  dreadful.  Rustem 
struck  him  several  times  furiously  upon  the  head,  and  at  length 
stretched  him  lifeless  on  the  sand.  He  then  impelled  Rakush 
towards  the  Turanian  army,  and  aided  by  Zal  and  Barzu,  com- 
mitted tremendous  havoc  among  them. 

So  thick  the  arrows  fell,  helmet,  and  mail, 

And  shield,  pierced  through,  looked  like  a  field  of  reeds. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  237 

In  the  meantime  Susen,  the  sorceress,  escaped  from  the  fort, 
and  fled  to  Afrasiyab. 

Another  cloud  of  dust  spreading  from  earth  to  heaven,  was 
observed  in  the  direction  of  Persia,  and  the  waving  banners 
becoming  more  distinct,  presently  showed  the  approach  of  the 
king,  Kai-khosrau. 

The  steely  javelins  sparkled  in  the  sun, 
Helmet  and  shield,  and  joyous  seemed  the  sight. 
Banners,  all  gorgeous,  floating  on  the  breeze, 
And  horns  shrill  echoing,  and  the  tramp  of  steeds, 
Proclaimed  to  dazzled  eye  and  half-stunned  ear, 
The  mighty  preparation. 

The  hostile  armies  soon  met,  and  there  was  a  sanguinary 
conflict,  but  the  Turanians  were  obliged  to  give  way.  Upon 
this  common  result,  Piran-wisah  declared  to  Afrasiyab  that 
perseverance  was  as  ridiculous  as  unprofitable.  "  Our  army 
has  no  heart,  nor  confidence,  when  opposed  to  Rustem ;  how 
often  have  we  been  defeated  by  him — how  often  have  we  been 
scattered  like  sheep  before  that  lion  in  battle !  We  have  just 
lost  the  aid  of  Barzu,  and  now  is  it  not  deplorable  to  put  any 
trust  in  the  dreams  of  a  singing-girl,  to  accelerate  on  her  ac- 
count the  ruin  of  the  country,  and  to  hazard  thy  own  personal 
safety. 

What!   risk  an  empire  on  a  woman's  word!" 

Afrasiyab  replied,  "  So  it  is ;  "  and  instantly  urged  his  horse 
into  the  middle  of  the  plain,  where  he  loudly  challenged  Kai- 
khosrau  to  single  combat,  saying,  "  Why  should  we  uselessly 
shed  the  blood  of  our  warriors  and  people.  Let  us  ourselves 
decide  the  day.  God  will  give  the  triumph  to  him  who  merits 
it."  Kai-khosrau  was  ashamed  to  refuse  this  challenge,  and 
descending  from  his  elephant,  mounted  his  horse  and  prepared 
for  the  onset.  But  his  warriors  seized  the  bridle,  and  would 
not  allow  him  to  fight.  He  declared,  however,  that  he  would 
himself  take  revenge  for  the  blood  of  Saiawush,  and  struggled 
to  overcome  the  friends  who  were  opposing  his  progress. 
"  Forbear  awhile,"  said  Rustem,  "  Afrasiyab  is  expert  in  all  the 
arts  of  the  warrior,  fighting  with  the  sword,  the  dagger,  in 
archery,  and  wrestling.  When  I  wrestled  with  him,  and  held 
him  down,  he  could  not  have  escaped,  excepting  by  the  exer- 
cise of  the  most  consummate  dexterity.  Allow  thy  warriors 


238  FIRDUSI 

to  fight  for  thee."  But  the  king  was  angry,  and  said,  "  The 
monarch  who  does  not  fight  for  himself,  is  unworthy  of  the 
crown."  Upon  hearing  this,  Rustem  wept  tears  of  blood. 
Barzu  now  took  hold  of  the  king's  stirrup,  and  knocked  his 
forehead  against  it,  and  drawing  his  dagger,  threatened  to  put 
an  end  to  himself,  saying,  "  My  blood  will  be  upon  thy  neck,  if 
thou  goest ;  "  and  he  continued  in  a  strain  so  eloquent  and  per- 
suasive that  Khosrau  relaxed  in  his  determination,  and  ob- 
served to  Rustem :  "  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  Barzu  is  de- 
scended from  thee."  Barzu  now  respectfully  kissed  the  ground 
before  the  king,  and  vaulting  on  his  saddle  with  admirable 
agility,  rushed  onwards  to  the  middle  space  where  Afrasiyab 
was  waiting,  and  roared  aloud.  Afrasiyab  burned  with  indig- 
nation at  the  sight,  and  said  in  his  heart :  "  It  seems  that  I  have 
nurtured  and  instructed  this  ingrate,  to  shed  my  own  blood. 
Thou  wretch  of  demon-birth,  thou  knowest  not  thy  father's 
name !  and  yet  thou  comest  to  wage  war  against  me !  Art 
thou  not  ashamed  to  look  upon  the  king  of  Turan  after  what 
he  has  done  for  thee  ?  "  Barzu  replied :  "  Although  thou  didst 
protect  me,  thou  spilt  the  blood  of  Saiawush  and  Aghriras  un- 
justly. When  I  ate  thy  salt,  I  served  thee  faithfully,  and 
fought  for  thee.  I  now  eat  the  salt  of  Kai-khosrau,  and  my 
allegiance  is  due  to  him." 

He  spoke,  and  raised  his  battle-axe,  and  rushed, 
Swift  as  a  demon  of  Mazinderan, 
Against  Afrasiyab,  who,  frowning,  cried: — 
"  Approach  not  like  a  furious  elephant, 
Heedless  what  may  befall  thee — nor  provoke 
The  wrath  of  him  whose  certain  aim  is  death." 
Then  placed  he  on  the  string  a  pointed  dart, 
And  shot  it  from  the  bow;  whizzing  it  flew, 
And  pierced  the  armor  of  the  wondering  youth, 
Inflicting  on  his  side  a  painful  wound, 
Which  made  his  heart  with  trepidation  throb; 
High  exultation  marked  the  despot's  brow, 
Seeing  the  gush  of  blood  his  loins  distain. 

Barzu  was  now  anxious  to  assail  Afrasiyab  with  his  mace, 
instead  of  arrows ;  but  whenever  he  tried  to  get  near  enough, 
he  was  disappointed  by  the  adroitness  of  his  adversary,  whom 
he  could  not  reach.  He  was  at  last  compelled  to  lay  aside  the 
battle-axe,  and  have  recourse  to  his  bow,  but  every  arrow  was 
dexterously  received  by  Afrasiyab  on  his  shield ;  and  Barzu,  on 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  239 

his  part,  became  equally  active  and  successful.  Afrasiyab  soon 
emptied  his  quiver,  and  then  he  grasped  his  mace  with  the 
intention  of  extinguishing  his  antagonist  at  once,  but  at  the 
moment  Human  came  up,  and  said:  "  O,  king!  do  not  bring 
thyself  into  jeopardy  by  contending  against  a  person  of  no 
account;  thy  proper  adversary  is  Kai-khosrau,  and  not  him, 
for  if  thou  gainest  the  victory,  it  can  only  be  a  victory  over  a 
fatherless  soldier,  and  if  thou  art  killed,  the  whole  of  Turan 
will  be  at  the  feet  of  Persia."  Both  Piran  and  Human  dis- 
suaded the  king  from  continuing  the  engagement  singly,  and 
directed  the  Turanians  to  commence  a  general  attack.  Afra- 
siyab told  them  that  if  Barzu  was  not  slain,  it  would  be  a  great 
misfortune  to  their  country;  in  consequence,  they. surrounded 
him,  and  inflicted  on  him  many  severe  wounds.  But  Rustem 
and  Feramurz,  beholding  the  dilemma  into  which  Barzu  was 
thrown,  hastened  to  his  support,  and  many  of  the  enemy  were 
killed  by  them,  and  great  carnage  followed  the  advance  of 
the  Persian  army. 

The  noise  of  clashing  swords,  and  ponderous  maces 
Ringing  upon  the  iron  mail,  seemed  like 
The  busy  work-shop  of  an  armorer; 
Tumultuous  as  the  sea  the  field  appeared, 
All  crimsoned  with  the  blood  of  heroes  slain. 

Kai-khosrau  himself  hurried  to  the  assistance  of  Barzu,  and 
the  powerful  force  which  he  brought  along  with  him  soon  put 
the  Turanians  to  flight.  Afrasiyab  too  made  his  escape  in  the 
confusion  that  prevailed.  The  king  wished  to  pursue  the  ene- 
my, but  Rustem  observed  that  their  defeat  and  dispersion  was 
enough.  The  battle  having  ceased,  and  the  army  being  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Sistan,  the  champion  solicited  permission  to 
return  to  his  home ;  "  for  I  am  now,"  said  he,  "  four  hundred 
years  old,  and  require  a  little  rest.  In  the  meantime  Feramurz 
and  Barzu  may  take  my  place."  The  king  consented,  and  dis- 
tributing his  favors  to  each  of  his  distinguished  warriors  for 
their  prodigious  exertions,  left  Zal  and  Rustem  to  proceed  to 
Sistan,  and  returned  to  the  capital  of  his  kingdom. 


240  FIRDUSI 


THE  EXPEDITION  OF  GUDARZ 

THE  overthrow  of  the  sovereign  of  Turan  had  only  a  tem- 
porary effect,  as  it  was  not  long  before  he  was  enabled 
to  collect  further  supplies,  and  another  army  for  the 
defence  of  his  kingdom  ;  and  Kai-khosrau's  ambition  to  reduce 
the  power  of  his  rival  being  animated  by  new  hopes  of  success, 
another  expedition  was  entrusted  to  the  command  of  Gudarz. 
Rustem,  he  said,  had  done  his  duty  in  repeated  campaigns 
against  Afrasiyab,  and  the  extraordinary  gallantry  and  wisdom 
with  which  they  were  conducted,  entitled  him  to  the  highest 
applause.  "  It  is  now,  Gudarz,  thy  turn  to  vanquish  the  en- 
emy.' Accordingly  Gudarz,  accompanied  by  Giw,  and  Tiis, 
and  Byzun,  and  an  immense  army,  proceeded  towards  Turan. 
Feramurz  was  directed  previously  to  invade  and  conquer  Hin- 
dustan, and  from  thence  to  march  to  the  borders  of  Chin  and 
Ma-chin,  for  the  purpose  of  uniting  and  co-operating  with  the 
army  under  Gudarz,  and,  finally,  to  capture  Afrasiyab. 

As  soon  as  it  was  known  in  Turan  that  Gudarz  was  in  motion 
to  resume  hostilities  against  the  king,  Human  was  appointed 
with  a  large  force  to  resist  his  progress,  and  a  second  army  of 
reserve  was  gathered  together  under  the  command  of  Piran. 
The  first  conflict  which  occurred  was  between  the  troops  of 
Gudarz  and  Human.  Gudarz  directed  Byzun  to  attack  Hu- 
man. The  two  chiefs  joined  in  battle,  when  Human  fell 
under  the  sword  of  his  adversary,  and  his  army,  being  de- 
feated, retired,  and  united  in  the  rear  with .  the  legions  of 
Piran.  The  enemy  thus  became  of  formidable  strength,  and 
in  consequence  it  was  thought  proper  to  communicate  the 
inequality  to  Kai-khosrau,  that  reinforcements  might  be  sent 
without  loss  of  time.  The  king  immediately  complied,  and 
also  wrote  to  Sistan  to  request  the  aid  of  Rustem.  The  war 
lasted  two  years,  the  army  on  each  side  being  continually 
recruited  as  necessity  required,  so  that  the  numbers  were  reg- 
ularly kept  up,  till  a  great  battle  took  place,  in  which  the  ven- 
erable Piran  was  killed,  and  nearly  the  whole  of  his  army  de- 
stroyed. This  victory  was  obtained  without  the  assistance  of 
Rustem,  who,  notwithstanding  the  message  of  the  king,  had 


THE   SHAH   NAMEH  241 

still  remained  in  Sistan.  The  loss  of  Piran,  the  counsellor  and 
warrior,  proved  to  be  a  great  affliction  to  Afrasiyab :  he  felt  as 
if  his  whole  support  was  taken  away,  and  deemed  it  the  signal 
of  approaching  ruin  to  his  cause. 

"  Thou  wert  my  refuge,  thou  my  friend  and  brother; 
Wise  in  thy  counsel,  gallant  in  the  field, 
My  monitor  and  guide — and  thou  art  gone! 
The  glory  of  my  kingdom  is  eclipsed, 
Since  thou  hast  vanished  from  this  world,  and  left  me 
All  wretched  to  myself.     But  food,  nor  sleep 
Nor  rest  will  I  indulge  in,  till  just  vengeance 
Has  been  inflicted  on  the  cruel  foe." 

When  the  news  of  Piran's  death  reached  Kai-khosrau,  he 
rapidly  marched  forward,  crossed  the  Jihun  without  delay,  and 
passed  through  Samerkand  and  Bokhara,  to  encounter  the 
Turanians.  Afrasiyab,  in  the  meantime,  had  not  been  neglect- 
ful. He  had  all  his  hidden  treasure  dug  up,  with  which  he 
assembled  a  prodigious  army,  and  appointed  his  son  Shydah- 
Poshang  to  the  command  of  a  hundred  thousand  horsemen. 
To  oppose  this  force,  Khosrau  appointed  his  young  relative, 
Lohurasp,  with  eight  thousand  horsemen,  and  passing  through 
Sistan,  desired  Rustem,  on  account  of  Lohurasp's  tender  age 
and  inexperience,  to  afford  him  such  good  counsel  as  he  re- 
quired. When  Afrasiyab  heard  this,  he  added  to  the  force  of 
Shydah  another  hundred  thousand  men,  but  first  sent  his  son 
to  Kai-khosrau  in  the  character  of  an  ambassador  to  offer  terms 
of  peace.  "  Tell  him,"  said  he,  "  that  to  secure  this  object,  I 
will  deliver  to  him  one  of  my  sons  as  a  hostage,  and  a  number 
of  troops  for  his  service,  with  the  sacred  promise  never  to 
depart  from  my  engagements  again. — But,  a  word  in  thy  ear, 
Shydah ;  if  Khosrau  is  not  disposed  to  accept  these  terms,  say, 
to  prevent  unnecessary  bloodshed,  he  and  I  must  personally 
decide  the  day  by  single  combat.  If  he  refuses  to  fight  with 
me,  say  that  thou  wilt  meet  him  ;  and  shouldst  thou  be  slain  in 
the  strife,  I  will  surrender  to  him  the  kingdom  of  Turan, 
and  retire  myself  from  the  world."  He  further  commanded 
him  to  propound  these  terms  with  a  gallant  and  fearless 
bearing,  and  not  to  betray  the  least  apprehension.  Shydah 
entered  fully  into  the  spirit  of  his  father's  instructions,  and 
declared  that  he  would  devote  his  life  to  the  cause,  that  he 
would  boldly  before  the  whole  assembly  dare  Kai-khosrau  to 
VOL.  I.— 16 


242  FIRDUSI 

battle ;  so  that  Afrasiyab  was  delighted  with  the  valorous  dis- 
position he  displayed. 

Kai-khosrau  smiled  when  he  heard  of  what  Afrasiyab  in- 
tended, and  viewed  the  proposal  as  a  proof  of  his  weakness. 
"  But  never,"  said  he,  "  will  I  consent  to  a  peace  till  I  have 
inflicted  on  him  the  death  which  Saiawush  was  made  to  suffer. 
When  Shydah  arrived,  and  with  proper  ceremony  and  respect 
had  delivered  his  message,  Kai-khosrau  invited  him  to  retire 
to  his  chamber  and  go  to  rest,  and  he  would  send  an  answer  by 
one  of  his  people.  Shydah  accordingly  retired,  and  the  king 
proceeded  to  consult  his  warrior-friends  on  the  offers  that  had 
been  made.  "  Afrasiyab  tells  me,"  said  he,  "  that  if  I  do  not 
wish  for  peace,  I  must  fight  either  him  or  his  son.  I  have 
seen  Shydah — his  eyes  are  red  and  blood-shot,  and  he  has  a 
fierce  expression  of  feature ;  if  I  do  not  accept  his  terms,  I 
shall  probably  soon  have  a  dagger  lodged  in  my  breast." 
Saying  this,  he  ordered  his  mail  to  be  got  ready ;  but  Rustem 
and  all  the  great  men  about  him  exclaimed,  unanimously: 
"  This  must  not  be  allowed ;  Afrasiyab  is  full  of  fraud,  artifice, 
and  sorcery,  and  notoriously  faithless  to  his  engagements.  The 
sending  of  Shydah  is  all  a  trick,  and  his  letter  of  proposal 
all  deceit:  his  object  is  simply  to  induce  thee  to  fight  him 
alone. 

If  thou  shouldst  kill  this  Shydah — what  of  that! 
There  would  be  one  Turanian  warrior  less, 
To  vex  the  world  withal;   would  that  be  triumph? 
And  to  a  Persian  king?    But  if  it  chanced, 
That  thou  shouldst  meet  with  an  untimely  death, 
By  dart  or  javelin,  at  the  stripling's  hands, 
What  scathe  and  ruin  would  this  realm  befall!  " 

By  the  advice  of  Rustem,  Kai-khosrau  gave  Shydah  per- 
mission to  depart,  and  said  that  he  would  send  his  answer  to 
Afrasiyab  by  Kariin.  "  But,"  observed  the  youth,  "  I  have 
come  to  fight  thee !  "  which  touched  the  honor  of  the  king, 
and  he  replied :  "  Be  it  so,  let  us  then  meet  to-morrow." 

In  the  meantime  Khosrau  prepared  his  letter  to  Afrasiyab,  in 
which  he  said: — 

"  Our  quarrel  now  is  dark  to  view, 
It  bears  the  fiercest,  gloomiest  hue; 
And  vain  have  speech  and  promise  been 
To  change  for  peace  the  battle  scene; 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  243 

For  thou  art  still  to  treachery  prone, 

Though  gentle  now  in  word  and  tone; 

But  that  imperial  crown  thou  wearest, 

That  mace  which  thou  in  battle  bearest, 

Thy  kingdom,  all,  thou  must  resign; 

Thy  army  too — for  all  are  mine! 

Thou  talk'st  of  strength,  and  might,  and  power, 

When  revelling  in  a  prosperous  hour; 

But  know,  that  strength  of  nerve  and  limb 

We  owe  to  God — it  comes  from  Him! 

And  victory's  palm,  and  regal  sway, 

Alike  the  will  of  Heaven  obey. 

Hence  thy  lost  throne,  no  longer  thine, 

Will  soon,  perfidious  king!   be  mine!  " 

In  giving  this  letter  to  Karun,  Kai-khosrau  directed  him,  in 
the  first  place,  to  deliver  a  message  from  him  to  Shydah,  to  the 
following  effect: — 

"  Driven  art  thou  out  from  home  and  life, 
Doomed  to  engage  in  mortal  strife, 
For  deeply  lours  misfortune's  cloud; 
That  gay  attire  will  be  thy  shroud; 
Blood  from  thy  father's  eyes  will  gush, 
As  Kaus  wept  for  Saiawush." 

In  the  morning  Khosrau  went  to  the  appointed  place,  and 
when  he  approached  Shydah,  the  latter  said,  "  Thou  hast  come 
on  foot,  let  our  trial  be  in  wrestling ;  "  and  the  proposal  being 
agreed  to,  both  applied  themselves  fiercely  to  the  encounter,  at 
a  distance  from  the  troops. 

The  youth  appeared  with  joyous  mien, 
And  bounding  heart,  for  life  was  new; 

By  either  host  the  strife  was  seen, 
And  strong  and  fierce  the  combat  grew. 

Shydah  exerted  his  utmost  might,  but  was  unable  to  move 
his  antagonist  from  the  ground  ;  whilst  Khosrau  lifted  him  up 
without  difficulty,  and,  dashing  him  on  the  plain, 

He  sprang  upon  him  as  the  lion  fierce 

Springs  on  the  nimble  gor,  then  quickly  drew 

His  deadly  dagger,  and  with  cruel  aim, 

Thrust  the  keen  weapon  through  the  stripling's  heart. 


244  FIRDUSI 

Khosrau,  immediately  after  slaying  him,  ordered  the  body  to 
be  washed  with  musk  and  rose-water,  and,  after  burial,  a  tomb 
to  be  raised  to  his  memory. 

When  Kanin  reached  the  court  of  Afrasiyab  with  the  answer 
to  the  offer  of  peace,  intelligence  had  previously  arrived  that 
Shydah  had  fallen  in  the  combat,  which  produced  in  the  mind 
of  the  father  the  greatest  anguish.  He  gave  no  reply  to 
Karun,  but  ordered  the  drums  and  trumpets  to  be  sounded, 
and  instantly  marched  with  a  large  army  against  the  enemy. 
The  two  hosts  were  soon  engaged,  the  anger  of  the  Turanians 
being  so  much  roused  and  sharpened  by  the  death  of  the 
prince,  that  they  were  utterly  regardless  of  their  lives.  The 
battle,  therefore,  was  fought  with  unusual  fury. 

Two  sovereigns  in  the  field,  in  desperate  strife, 

Each  by  a  grievous  cause  of  wrath,  urged  on 

To  glut  revenge;   this,  for  a  father's  life 

Wantonly  sacrificed;   that  for  a  son 

Slain  in  his  prime. — The  carnage  has  begun, 

And  blood  is  seen  to  flow  on  every  side; 

Thousands  are  slaughtered  ere  the  day  is  done, 

And  weltering  swell  the  sanguinary  tide; 

And  why?    To  soothe  man's  hate,  his  cruelty,  and  pride. 

The  battle  terminated  in  the  discomfiture  and  defeat  of  the 
Turanians,  who  fled  from  the  conquerors  in  the  utmost  con- 
fusion. The  people  seized  hold  of  the  bridle  of  Afrasiyab's 
horse,  and  obliged  him  to  follow  his  scattered  army. 

Kai-khosrau  having  despatched  an  account  of  his  victory  to 
Kaus,  went  in  pursuit  of  Afrasiyab,  traversing  various  countries 
and  provinces,  till  he  arrived  on  the  borders  of  Chin.  The 
Khakan,  or  sovereign  of  that  state,  became  in  consequence 
greatly  alarmed,  and  presented  to  him  large  presents  to  gain 
his  favor,  but  the  only  object  of  Khosrau  was  to  secure  Afra- 
siyab, and  he  told  the  ambassador  that  if  his  master  dared  to 
afford  him  protection,  he  would  lay  waste  the  whole  kingdom. 
The  Khakan  therefore  withdrew  his  hospitable  services,  and 
the  abandoned  king  was  compelled  to  seek  another  place  of 
refuge. 


THE  SH/H   N/MEH  245 


THE  DEATH  OF  AFRASIYAB 

MELANCHOLY  and  afflicted,  Afrasiyab  penetrated 
through  wood  and  desert,  and  entered  the  province 
of  Mikran,  whither  he  was  followed  by  Kai-khosrau 
and  his  army.  He  then  quitted  Mikran,  but  his  followers  had 
fallen  off  to  a  small  number  and  to  whatever  country  or  region 
he  repaired  for  rest  and  protection,  none  was  given,  lest  the 
vengeance  of  Kai-khosrau  should  be  hurled  upon  the  offender. 
Still  pursued  and  hunted  like  a  wild  beast,  and  still  flying  from 
his  enemies,  the  small  retinue  which  remained  with  him  at  last 
left  him,  and  he  was  left  alone,  dejected,  destitute,  and  truly 
forlorn.  In  this  state  of  desertion  he  retired  into  a  cave,  where 
he  hoped  to  continue  undiscovered  and  unseen. 

It  chanced,  however,  that  a  man  named  Hum,  of  the  race  of 
Feridun,  dwelt  hard  by.  He  was  remarkable  for  his  strength 
and  bravery,  but  had  peacefully  taken  up  his  abode  upon  the 
neighboring  mountain,  and  was  passing  a  religious  life  with- 
out any  communication  with  the  busy  world.  His  dwelling 
was  a  little  way  above  the  cave  of  Afrasiyab.  One  night  he 
heard  a  voice  of  lamentation  below,  and  anxious  to  ascertain 
from  whom  and  whence  it  proceeded,  he  stole  down  to  the  spot 
and  listened.  The  mourner  spoke  in  the  Turkish  language,  and 
said : — "  O  king  of  Turan  and  Chin,  where  is  now  thy  pomp 
and  power !  How  has  Fortune  cast  away  thy  throne  and  thy 
treasure  to  the  winds  ? "  Hearing  these  words  Hum  con- 
jectured that  this  must  be  Afrasiyab ;  and  as  he  had  suffered 
severely  from  the  tyranny  of  that  monarch,  his  feelings  of 
vengeance  were  awakened,  and  he  approached  nearer  to  be 
certain  that  it  was  he.  The  same  lamentations  were  repeated, 
and  he  felt  assured  that  it  was  Afrasiyab  himself.  He  waited 
patiently,  however,  till  morning  dawned,  and  then  he  called 
out  at  the  mouth  of  the  cave : — "  O,  king  of  the  world !  come 
out  of  thy  cave,  and  obtain  thy  desires !  I  have  left  the  in- 
visible sphere  to  accomplish  thy  wishes.  Appear !  "  Afra- 
siyab thinking  this  a  spiritual  call,  went  out  of  the  cave  and 
was  instantly  recognized  by  Hum,  who  at  the  same  moment 
struck  him  a  severe  blow  on  the  forehead,  which  felled  him 


j46  FIRDUSI 

to  the  earth,  and  then  secured  his  hands  behind  his  back. 
When  the  monarch  found  himself  in  fetters  and  powerless, 
he  complained  of  the  cruelty  inflicted  upon  him,  and  asked 
Hum  why  he  had  treated  a  stranger  in  that  manner.  Hum 
replied :  "  How  many  a  prince  of  the  race  of  Feridun  hast 
thou  sacrificed  to  thy  ambition  ?  How  many  a  heart  hast  thou 
broken?  I,  too,  am  one  who  was  compelled  to  fly  from  thy 
persecutions,  and  take  refuge  here  on  this  desert  mountain,  and 
constantly  have  I  prayed  for  thy  ruin  that  I  might  be  released 
from  this  miserable  mode  of  existence,  and  be  permitted  to 
return  to  my  paternal  home.  My  prayer  has  been  heard  at 
last,  and  God  has  delivered  thee  into  my  hands.  But  how 
earnest  thou  hither,  and  by  what  strange  vicissitudes  art  thou 
thus  placed  before  me  ?  "  Afrasiyab  communicated  to  him  the 
story  of  his  misfortunes,  and  begged  of  him  rather  to  put  him 
to  death  on  the  spot  than  convey  him  to  Kai-khosrau.  But 
Hum  was  too  much  delighted  with  having  the  tyrant  under 
his  feet  to  consider  either  his  safety  or  his  feelings,  and  was 
not  long  in  bringing  him  to  the  Persian  king.  Kai-khosrau 
received  the  prisoner  with  exultation,  and  made  Hum  a 
magnificent  present.  He  well  recollected  the  basin  and  the 
dagger  used  in  the  murder  of  Saiawush,  and  commanded  the 
presence  of  the  treacherous  Gersiwaz,  that  he  and  Afrasiyab 
might  suffer,  in  every  respect,  the  same  fate  together.  The 
basin  was  brought,  and  the  two  victims  were  put  to  death,  like 
two  goats,  their  heads  being  chopped  off  from  their  bodies. 

After  this  sanguinary  catastrophe,  Kai-khosrau  returned  to 
Iran,  leaving  Rustem  to  proceed  to  his  own  principality.  Kai- 
kaus  quitted  his  palace,  according  to  his  established  custom,  to 
welcome  back  the  conqueror.  He  kissed  his  head  and  face, 
and  showered  upon  him  praises  and  blessings  for  the  valor  he 
had  displayed,  and  the  deeds  he  had  done,  and  especially  for 
having  so  signally  revenged  the  cruel  murder  of  his  father 
Saiawush. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  247 


THE  DEATH  OF  KAI-KHOSRAU 

KAI-KHOSRAU  at  last  became  inspired  by  an  insur- 
mountable attachment  to  a  religious  life,  and  thought 
only  of  devotion  to  God.  Thus  influenced  by  a  disposi- 
tion peculiar  to  ascetics,  he  abandoned  the  duties  of  sovereignty, 
and  committed  all  state  affairs  to  the  care  of  his  ministers.  The 
chiefs  and  warriors  remonstrated  respectfully  against  this  mode 
of  government,  and  trusted  that  he  would  devote  only  a  few 
hours  in  the  day  to  the  transactions  of  the  kingdom,  and  the 
remainder  to  prayer  and  religious  exercises;  but  this  he  re- 
fused, saying : — "  One  heart  is  not  equal  to  both  duties ;  my 
affections  indeed  are  not  for  this  transitory  world,  and  I  trust 
to  be  an  inhabitant  of  the  world  to  come."  The  nobles  were  in 
great  sorrow  at  this  declaration,  and  anxiously  applied  to  Zal 
and  Rustem,  in  the  hopes  of  working  some  change  in  the  king's 
disposition.  On  their  arrival  the  people  cried  to  them : — 

"  Some  evil  eye  has  smote  the  king; — Iblis 
By  wicked  wiles  has  led  his  soul  astray, 
And  withered  all  life's  pleasures.     O  release 
Our  country  from  the  sorrow,  the  dismay 
Which  darkens  every  heart: — his  ruin  stay. 
Is  it  not  mournful  thus  to  see  him  cold 
And  gloomy,  casting  pomp  and  joy  away? 
Restore  him  to  himself;   let  us  behold 
Again  the  victor-king,  the  generous,  just  and  bold." 

Zal  and  Rustem  went  to  the  palace  of  the  king  in  a  melan- 
choly mood,  and  Khosrau  having  heard  of  their  approach, 
enquired  of  them  why  they  had  left  Sistan.  They  replied  that 
the  news  of  his  having  relinquished  all  concern  in  the  affairs  of 
the  kingdom  had  induced  them  to  wait  upon  him.  "  I  am 
weary  of  the  troubles  of  this  life,"  said  he  composedly,  "  and 
anxious  to  prepare  for  a  future  state."  "  But  death,"  observed 
Zal,  "  is  a  great  evil.  It  is  dreadful  to  die ! "  Upon  this  the 
king  said : — "  I  cannot  endure  any  longer  the  deceptions  and 
the  perfidy  of  mankind.  My  love  of  heaven  is  so  great  that  I 
cannot  exist  one  moment  without  devotion  and  prayer.  Last 
night  a  mysterious  voice  whispered  in  my  ear : — The  time  of 


248  FIRDUSI 

thy  departure  is  nigh,  prepare  the  load  for  thy  journey,  and 
neglect  not  thy  warning  angel,  or  the  opportunity  will  be  lost." 
When  Zal  and  Rustem  saw  that  Khosrau  was  resolved,  and 
solemnly  occupied  in  his  devotions,  they  were  for  some  time 
silent.  But  Zal  was  at  length  moved,  and  said : — "  I  will  go 
into  retirement  and  solitude  with  the  king,  and  by  continual 
prayer,  and  through  his  blessing,  I  too  may  be  forgiven." 
"  This,  indeed,"  said  the  king,  "  is  not  the  place  for  me.  I 
must  seek  out  a  solitary  cell,  and  there  resign  my  soul  to 
heaven."  Zal  and  Rustem  wept,  and  quitted  the  palace,  and 
all  the  warriors  were  in  the  deepest  affliction. 

The  next  day  Kai-khosrau  left  his  apartment,  and  called  to- 
gether his  great  men  and  warriors,  and  said  to  them : — 

"  That  which  I  sought  for,  I  have  now  obtained. 
Nothing  remains  of  worldly  wish,  or  hope, 
To  disappoint  or  vex  me.     I  resign 
The  pageantry  of  kings,  and  turn  away 
From  all  the  pomp  of  the  Kaianian  throne, 
Sated  with  human  grandeur. — Now,  farewell! 
Such  is  my  destiny.    To  those  brave  friends, 
Who,  ever  faithful,  have  my  power  upheld, 
I  will  discharge  the  duty  of  a  king, 
Paying  the  pleasing  debt  of  gratitude." 

He  then  ordered  his  tents  to  be  pitched  in  the  desert,  and 
opened  his  treasury,  and  for  seven  days  made  a  sumptuous 
feast,  and  distributed  food  and  money  among  the  indigent,  the 
widows,  and  orphans,  and  every  destitute  person  was  abun- 
dantly supplied  with  the  necessaries  of  life,  so  that  there  was 
no  one  left  in  a  state  of  want  throughout  the  empire.  He  also 
attended  to  the  claims  of  his  warriors.  T6  Rustem  he  gave 
Zabul,  and  Kabul,  and  Nim-ruz.  He  appointed  Lohurasp,  the 
son-in-law  of  Kai-kaus,  successor  to  his  throne,  and  directed 
all  his  people  to  pay  the  same  allegiance  to  him  as  they  had 
done  to  himself;  and  they  unanimously  consented,  declaring 
their  firm  attachment  to  his  person  and  government.  He  ap- 
pointed Gudarz  the  chief  minister,  and  Giw  to  the  chief  com- 
mand of  the  armies.  To  Tus  he  gave  Khorassan ;  and  he  said 
to  Friburz,  the  son  of  Kaus : — "  Be  thou  obedient,  I  beseech 
thee,  to  the  commands  of  Lohurasp,  whom  I  have  instructed, 
and  brought  up  with  paternal  care ;  for  I  know  of  no  one  so 
well  qualified  in  the  art  of  governing  a  kingdom."  The  warriors 


THE  snAn  NX'MEH  249 

of  Iran  were  surprised,  and  murmured  together,  that  the  son  of 
Kai-kaus  should  be  thus  placed  under  the  authority  of  Lohu- 
rasp.  But  Zal  observed  to  them : — "  If  it  be  the  king's  will,  it 
is  enough !  "  The  murmurs  of  the  warriors  having  reached 
Kai-khosrau,  he  sent  for  them,  and  addressed  them  thus: — 
"  Friburz  is  well  known  to  be  unequal  to  the  functions  of 
sovereignty;  but  Lohurasp  is  enlightened,  and  fully  compre- 
hends all  the  duties  of  regal  sway.  He  is  a  descendant  of 
Husheng,  wise  and  merciful,  and  God  is  my  witness,  I  think 
him  perfectly  calculated  to  make  a  nation  happy."  Hearing 
this  eulogium  on  the  character  of  the  new  king  from  Kai- 
khosrau,  all  the  warriors  expressed  their  satisfaction,  and 
anticipated  a  glorious  reign.  Khosrau  further  said : — "  I  must 
now  address  you  on  another  subject.  In  my  dreams  a  fountain 
has  been  pointed  out  to  me;  and  when  I  visit  that  fountain, 
my  life  will  be  resigned  to  its  Creator."  He  then  bid  farewell 
to  all  the  people  around  him,  and  commenced  his  journey ;  and 
when  he  had  accomplished  one  stage  he  pitched  his  tent.  Next 
day  he  resumed  his  task,  and  took  leave  of  Zal  and  Rustem ; 
who  wept  bitterly  as  they  parted  from  him. 

"  Alas!  "  they  said,  "  that  one  on  whom 

Heaven  has  bestowed  a  mind  so  great, 
A  heart  so  brave,  should  seek  the  tomb, 

And  not  his  hour  in  patience  wait. 
The  wise  in  wonder  gaze,  and  say, 

No  mortal  being  ever  trod 
Before,  the  dim  supernal  way, 

And  living,  saw  the  face  of  God!  " 

After  Zal  and  Rustem,  then  Khosrau  took  leave  of  Gudarz 
and  Giw  and  Tus,  and  Gustahem,  but  unwilling  to  go  back, 
they  continued  with  him.  He  soon  arrived  at  the  promised 
fountain,  in  which  he  bathed.  He  then  said  to  his  followers : — 
"  Now  is  the  time  for  our  separation ; — you  must  go ;  "  but 
they  still  remained.  Again  he  said : — "  You  must  go  quickly ; 
for  presently  heavy  showers  of  snow  will  fall,  and  a  tempestuous 
wind  will  arise,  and  you  will  perish  in  the  storm."  Saying 
this,  he  went  into  the  fountain,  and  vanished ! 

And  not  a  trace  was  left  behind, 

And  not  a  dimple  on  the  wave; 
All  sought,  but  sought  in  vain,  to  find 

The  spot  which  proved  Kai-khosrau's  grave! 


250  FIRDUSI 

The  king  having  disappeared  in  this  extraordinary  manner, 
a  loud  lamentation  ascended  from  his  followers ;  and  when  the 
paroxysm  of  amazement  and  sorrow  had  ceased,  Friburz  said : 
— "  Let  us  now  refresh  ourselves  with  food,  and  rest  awhile." 
Accordingly  those  that  remained  ate  a  little,  and  were  soon 
afterwards  overcome  with  sleep.  Suddenly  a  great  wind  arose, 
and  the  snow  fell  and  clothed  the  earth  in  white,  and  all  the 
warriors  and  soldiers  who  accompanied  Kai-khosrau  to  the 
mysterious  fountain,  and  amongst  them  Tus  and  Friburz,  and 
Giw,  were  while  asleep  overwhelmed  in  the  drifts  of  snow.  Not 
a  man  survived.  Gudarz  had  returned  when  about  half-way  on 
the  road ;  and  not  hearing  for  a  long  time  any  tidings  of  his 
companions,  sent  a  person  to  ascertain  the  cause  of  their  delay. 
Upon  proceeding  to  the  fatal  place,  the  messenger,  to  his 
amazement  and  horror,  found  them  all  stiff  and  lifeless  under 
the  snow ! 


LOHURASP 

r  I  NHE  reputation  of  Lohurasp  was  of  the  highest  order, 
and  it  is  said  that  his  administration  of  the  affairs  of 
his  kingdom  was  more  just  and  paternal  than  even  that 
of  Kai-khosrau.  "  The  counsel  which  Khosrau  gave  me,"  said 
he,  "  was  wise  and  admirable ;  but  I  find  that  I  must  go  beyond 
him  in  moderation  and  clemency  to  the  poor."  Lohurasp  had 
four  sons,  two  by  the  daughter  of  Kai-kaus,  one  named  Ardshir, 
and  the  other  Shydasp ;  and  two  by  another  woman,  and  they 
were  named  Gushtasp  and  Zarir.  But  Gushtasp  was  intrepid, 
acute,  and  apparently  marked  out  for  sovereignty,  and  on  ac- 
count of  his  independent  conduct,  no  favorite  with  his  father ; 
in  defiance  of  whom,  with  a  rebellious  spirit,  he  collected 
together  a  hundred  thousand  horsemen,  and  proceeded  with 
them  towards  Hindustan  of  his  own  accord.  Lohurasp  sent 
after  him  his  brother  Zarir,  with  a  thousand  horsemen,  in  the 
hopes  of  influencing  him  to  return ;  but  when  Zarir  overtook 
him  and  endeavored  to  persuade  him  not  to  proceed  any 
further,  he  said  to  him,  with  an  animated  look : — 

"  Proceed  no  farther! — Well  thou  know'st 
We've  no  Kaianian  blood  to  boast, 


THE  SHAH    NAMEH  251 

And,  therefore,  but  a  minor  part 
In  Lohurasp's  paternal  heart. 
Nor  thou,  nor  I,  can  ever  own 
From  him  the  diadem  or  throne. 
The  brothers  of  Kaiis's  race 
By  birth  command  the  brightest  place, 
Then  what  remains  for  us?    We  must 
To  other  means  our  fortunes  trust. 
We  cannot  linger  here,  and  bear 
A  life  of  discontent — despair." 

Zarir,  however,  reasoned  with  him  so  winningly  and  effect- 
ually, that  at  last  he  consented  to  return ;  but  only  upon  the 
condition  that  he  should  be  nominated  heir  to  the  throne,  and 
treated  with  becoming  respect  and  ceremony.  Zarir  agreed  to 
interpose  his  efforts  to  this  end,  and  brought  him  back  to  his 
father ;  but  it  was  soon  apparent  that  Lohurasp  had  no  inclina- 
tion to  promote  the  elevation  of  Gushtasp  in  preference  to  the 
claims  of  his  other  sons ;  and  indeed  shortly  afterwards  mani- 
fested to  what  quarter  his  determination  on  this  subject  was 
directed.  It  was  indeed  enough  that  his  determination  was  un- 
favorable to  the  views  of  Gushtasp,  who  now,  in  disgust,  fled 
from  his  father's  house,  but  without  any  attendants,  and  shaped 
his  course  towards  Rum.  Lohurasp  again  sent  Zarir  in  quest 
of  him ;  but  the  youth,  after  a  tedious  search,  returned  without 
success.  Upon  his  arrival  in  Rum,  Gushtasp  chose  a  solitary 
retirement,  where  he  remained  some  time,  and  was  at  length 
compelled  by  poverty  and  want,  to  ask  for  employment  in  the 
establishment  of  the  sovereign  of  that  country,  stating  that  he 
was  an  accomplished  scribe,  and  wrote  a  beautiful  hand.  He 
was  told  to  wait  a  few  days,  as  at  that  time  there  was  no  vacancy. 
But  hunger  was  pressing,  and  he  could  not  suffer  delay;  he 
therefore  went  to  the  master  of  the  camel-drivers  and  asked  for 
service,  but  he  too  had  no  vacancy.  However,  commiserating 
the  distressed  condition  of  the  applicant,  he  generously  sup- 
plied him  with  a  hearty  meal.  After  that,  Gushtasp  went  into  a 
blacksmith's  shop,  and  asked  for  work,  and  his  services  were 
accepted.  The  blacksmith  put  the  hammer  into  his  hands,  and 
the  first  blow  he  struck  was  given  with  such  force,  that  he  broke 
the  anvil  to  pieces.  The  blacksmith  was  amazed  and  angry, 
and  indignantly  turned  him  out  of  his  shop,  uttering  upon  him 
a  thousand  violent  reproaches. 


252  FIRDUSI 

Wounded  in  spirit,  broken-hearted, 
Misfortune  darkening  o'er  his  head, 

To  other  lands  he  then  departed, 
To  seek  another  home  for  bread. 

Disconsolate  and  wretched,  he  proceeded  on  his  journey,  and 
observing  a  husbandman  standing  in  a  field  of  corn,  he  ap- 
proached the  spot  and  sat  down.  The  husbandman  seeing  a 
strong  muscular  youth,  apparently  a  Turanian,  sitting  in 
sorrow  and  tears,  went  up  to  him  and  asked  him  the  cause  of 
his  grief,  and  he  soon  became  acquainted  with  all  the  circum- 
stances of  the  stranger's  life.  Pitying  his  distress,  he  took  him 
home  and  gave  him  some  food. 

After  having  partaken  sufficiently  of  the  refreshments  placed 
before  him,  Gushtasp  inquired  of  his  host  to  what  tribe  he 
belonged,  and  from  whom  he  was  descended.  "  I  am  descended 
from  Feridun,"  rejoined  he,  "  and  I  belong  to  the  Kaianian 
tribe.  My  occupation  in  this  retired  spot  is,  as  thou  seest,  the 
cultivation  of  the  ground,  and  the  customs  and  duties  of 
husbandry."  Gushtasp  said,  "  I  am  myself  descended  from 
Husheng,  who  was  the  ancestor  of  Feridun ;  we  are,  therefore, 
of  the  same  origin."  In  consequence  of  this  connection,  Gush- 
tasp and  the  husbandman  lived  together  on  the  most  friendly 
footing  for  a  considerable  time.  At  length  the  star  of  his 
fortune  began  to  illumine  his  path,  and  the  favor  of  Heaven 
became  manifest. 

It  was  the  custom  of  the  king  of  Rum,  when  his  daughters 
came  of  age,  to  give  a  splendid  banquet,  and  to  invite  to  it  all  the 
youths  of  illustrious  birth  in  the  kingdom,  in  order  that  each 
might  select  one  of  them  most  suited  to  her  taste,  for  her 
future  husband.  His  daughter  Kitabun  was  now  of  age,  and 
in  conformity  with  the  established  practice,  the  feast  was 
prepared,  and  the  youths  of  royal  descent  invited;  but  it  so 
happened  that  not  one  of  them  was  sufficiently  attractive  for 
her  choice,  and  the  day  passed  over  unprofitably.  She  had 
been  told  in  a  dream  that  a  youth  of  a  certain  figure  and  aspect 
had  arrived  in  the  kingdom  from  Iran,  and  that  to  him  she 
was  destined  to  be  married.  But  there  was  not  one  at  her 
father's  banquet  who  answered  to  the  description  of  the  man 
she  had  seen  in  her  dream,  and  in  consequence  she  was  dis- 
appointed. On  the  following  day  the  feast  was  resumed.  She 
had  again  dreamt  of  the  youth  to  whom  she  was  to  be  united. 


THE  SHAH  NA"MEH  253 

She  had  presented  to  him  a  bunch  of  roses,  and  he  had  given 
her  a  rose-branch,  and  each  regarded  the  other  with  smiles  of 
mutual  satisfaction.  In  the  morning  Kitabun  issued  a  proc- 
lamation, inviting  all  the  young  men  of  royal  extraction, 
whether  natives  of  the  kingdom  or  strangers,  to  her  father's 
feast.  On  that  day  Gushtasp  and  the  husbandman  had  come 
into  the  city  from  the  country,  and  hearing  the  proclamation 
the  latter  said :  "  Let  us  go,  for  in  this  lottery  the  prize  may  be 
drawn  in  thy  name."  They  accordingly  went.  Kitabun's 
handmaid  was  in  waiting  at  the  door,  and  kept  every  young 
man  standing  awhile,  that  her  mistress  might  mark  him  well 
before  she  allowed  him  to  pass  into  the  banquet.  The  keen 
eyes  of  Kitabun  soon  saw  Gushtasp,  and  her  heart  instantly 
acknowledged  him  as  her  promised  lord,  for  he  was  the  same 
person  she  had  seen  in  her  dream. 

As  near  the  graceful  stripling  drew, 
She  cried: — "  My  dream,  my  dream  is  true! 
Fortune  from  visions  of  the  night 
Has  brought  him  to  my  longing  sight. 
Truth  has  portrayed  his  form  divine; 
He  lives — he  lives — and  he  is  mine !  " 

She  presently  descended  from  her  balcony,  and  gave  him  a 
bunch  of  roses,  the  token  by  which  her  choice  was  made  known, 
and  then  retired.  The  king,  when  he  heard  of  what  she  had 
done,  was  exceedingly  irritated,  thinking  that  her  affections 
were  placed  on  a  beggar,  or  some  nameless  stranger  of  no  birth 
or  fortune,  and  his  first  impulse  was  to  have  her  put  to  death. 
But  his  people  assembled  around  him,  and  said : — "  What  can 
be  the  use  of  killing  her? — It  is  in  vain  to  resist  the  flood  of 
destiny,  for  what  will  be,  will  be. 

The  world  itself  is  governed  still  by  Fate, 
Fate  rules  the  warrior's  and  the  monarch's  state; 
And  woman's  heart,  the  passions  of  her  soul, 
Own  the  same  power,  obey  the  same  control; 
For  what  can  love's  impetuous  force  restrain? 
Blood  may  be  shed,  but  what  will  be  thy  gain? 

After  this  remonstrance  he  desired  enquiries  to  be  made  into 
the  character  and  parentage  of  his  proposed  son-in-law,  and 
was  told  his  name,  the  name  of  his  father,  and  of  his  ancestors, 
and  the  causes  which  led  to  his  present  condition,  But  he 


254  FIRDUSI 

would  not  believe  a  word  of  the  narration.  He  was  then  in- 
formed of  his  daughter's  dream,  and  other  particulars :  and  he 
so  far  relented  as  to  sanction  the  marriage;  but  indignantly 
drove  her  from  his  house,  with  her  husband,  without  a  dowry, 
or  any  money  to  supply  themselves  with  food. 

Gushtasp  and  his  wife  took  refuge  in  a  miserable  cell,  which 
they  inhabited,  and  when  necessity  pressed,  he  used  to  cross  the 
river,  and  bring  in  an  elk  or  wild  ass  from  the  forest,  give 
half  of  it  to  the  ferryman  for  his  trouble,  and  keep  the  re- 
mainder for  his  own  board,  so  that  he  and  the  ferryman  be- 
came great  friends  by  these  mutual  obligations.  It  is  related 
that  a  person  of  distinction,  named  Mabrin,  solicited  the  king's 
second  daughter  in  marriage ;  and  Ahrun,  another  man  of  rank, 
was  anxious  to  be  espoused  to  the  third,  or  youngest ;  but  the 
king  was  unwilling  to  part  with  either  of  them,  and  openly 
declared  his  sentiments  to  that  effect.  Mabrin,  however,  was 
most  assiduous  and  persevering  in  his  attentions,  and  at  last 
made  some  impression  on  the  father,  who  consented  to  permit 
the  marriage  of  the  second  daughter,  but  only  on  the  following 
conditions :  "  There  is,"  said  he,  "  a  monstrous  wolf  in  the 
neighboring  forest,  extremely  ferocious,  and  destructive  to  my 
property.  I  have  frequently  endeavored  to  hunt  him  down,  but 
without  success.  If  Mabrin  can  destroy  the  animal,  I  will  give 
him  my  daughter."  When  these  conditions  were  communi- 
cated to  Mabrin,  he  considered  it  impossible  that  they  could 
be  fulfilled,  and  looked  upon  the  proposal  as  an  evasion  of  the 
question.  One  day,  however,  the  ferryman  having  heard  of 
Mabrin's  disappointment,  told  him  that  there  was  no  rea- 
son to  despair,  for  he  knew  a  young  man,  married  to  one 
of  the  king's  daughters,  who  crossed  the '  river  every  day, 
and  though  only  a  pedestrian,  brought  home  regularly  an  elk- 
deer  on  his  back.  "  He  is  truly,"  added  he,  "  a  wonderful 
youth,  and  if  you  can  by  any  means  secure  his  assistance,  I 
have  no  doubt  but  that  his  activity  and  strength  will  soon  put 
an  end  to  the  wolf's  depredations,  by  depriving  him  of  life." 

This  intelligence  was  received  with  great  pleasure  by  Mabrin, 
who  hastened  to  Gushtasp,  and  described  to  him  his  situation, 
and  the  conditions  required.  Gushtasp  in  reply  said,  that  he 
would  be  glad  to  accomplish  for  him  the  object  of  his  desires, 
and  at  an  appointed  time  proceeded  towards  the  forest,  accom- 
panied by  Mabrin  and  the  ferryman.  When  the  party  arrived  at 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH 


255 


the  borders  of  the  wilderness  which  the  wolf  frequented,  Gush- 
tasp left  his  companions  behind,  and  advanced  alone  into  the  in- 
terior, where  he  soon  found  the  dreadful  monster,  in  size  larger 
than  an  elephant,  and  howling  terribly,  ready  to  spring  upon 
him.  But  the  hand  and  eye  of  Gushtasp  were  too  active  to 
allow  of  his  being  surprised,  and  in  an  instant  he  shot  two 
arrows  at  once  into  the  foaming  beast,  which,  irritated  by  the 
deep  wound,  now  rushed  furiously  upon  him,  without,  however, 
doing  him  any  serious  injury ;  then  with  the  rapidity  of  light- 
ning, Gushtasp  drew  his  sharp  sword,  and  with  one  tremendous 
stroke  cut  the  wolf  in  two,  deluging  the  ground  with  bubbling 
blood.  Having  performed  this  prodigious  exploit,  he  called 
Mabrin  and  the  ferryman  to  see  what  he  had  done,  and  they 
were  amazed  at  his  extraordinary  intrepidity  and  muscular 
power,  but  requested,  in  order  that  the  special  object  of  the 
lover  might  be  obtained,  that  he  would  conceal  his  name,  for  a 
time  at  least.  Mabrin,  satisfied  on  this  point,  then  repaired  to 
the  emperor,  and  claimed  his  promised  bride,  as  the  reward  for 
his  labor.  The  king  of  Rum  little  expected  this  result,  and 
to  assure  himself  of  the  truth  of  what  he  had  heard,  bent  his 
way  to  the  forest,  where  he  was  convinced,  seeing  with  as- 
tonishment and  delight  that  the  wolf  was  really  killed.  He 
had  now  no  further  pretext,  and  therefore  fulfilled  his  engage- 
ment, by  giving  his  daughter  to  Mabrin. 

It  was  now  Ahrun's  turn  to  repeat  his  solicitations  for  the 
youngest  daughter.  The  king  of  Rum  had  another  evil  to 
root  out,  so  that  he  was  prepared  to  propose  another  condition. 
This  was  to  destroy  a  hideous  dragon  that  had  taken  possession 
of  a  neighboring  mountain.  Ahrun,  on  hearing  the  con- 
dition was  in  as  deep  distress  as  Mabrin  had  been,  until  he 
accidentally  became  acquainted  with  the  ferryman,  who  de- 
scribed to  him  the  generosity  and  fearless  bravery  of  Gushtasp. 
He  immediately  applied  to  him,  and  the  youth  readily  under- 
took the  enterprise,  saying : — "  No  doubt  the  monster's  teeth 
are  long  and  sharp,  bring  me  therefore  a  dagger,  and  fasten 
round  it  a  number  of  knives."  Ahrun  did  so  accordingly,  and 
Gushtasp  proceeded  to  the  mountain.  As  soon  as  the  dragon 
smelt  the  approach  of  a  human  being,  flames  issued  from  his 
nostrils,  and  he  darted  forward  to  devour  the  intruder,  but  was 
driven  back  by  a  number  of  arrows,  rapidly  discharged  into 
his  head  and  mouth.  Again  he  advanced,  but  Gushtasp 


256  FIRDUSI 

dodged  round  him,  and  continued  driving  arrows  into  him  to 
the  extent  of  forty,  which  subdued  his  strength,  and  made  him 
writhe  in  agony.  He  then  fixed  the  dagger,  which  was  armed 
at  right  angles  with  knives,  upon  his  spear,  and  going  nearer, 
thrust  it  down  his  gasping  throat. 

Dreadful  the  weapon  each  two-edged  blade 
Cut  deep  into  the  jaws  on  either  side, 
And  the  fierce  monster,  thinking  to  dislodge  it, 
Crushed  it  between  his  teeth  with  all  his  strength, 
Which  pressed  it  deeper  in  the  flesh,  when  blood 
And  poison  issued  from  the  gaping  wounds; 
Then,  as  he  floundered  on  the  earth  exhausted, 
Seizing  the  fragment  of  a  flinty  rock, 
Gushtasp  beat  out  the  brains,  and  soon  the  beast 
In  terrible  struggles  died.    Two  deadly  fangs 
Then  wrenched  he  from  the  jaws,  to  testify 
The  wonderful  exploit  he  had  performed. 

When  he  descended  from  the  mountain,  these  two  teeth  were 
delivered  to  Ahrun,  and  they  were  afterwards  conveyed  to  the 
king,  who  could  not  believe  his  own  eyes,  but  ascended  the 
mountain  himself  to  ascertain  the  fact,  and  there  he  beheld 
with  amazement  the  dragon  lifeless,  and  covered  with  blood. 
"  And  didst  thou  thyself  kill  this  terrific  dragon  ?  "  said  he. 
"  Yes,"  replied  Ahrun.  "  And  wilt  thou  swear  to  God  that 
this  is  thy  own  achievement?  It  must  be  either  the  exploit  of 
a  demon,  or  of  a  certain  Kaianian,  who  resides  in  this  neigh- 
borhood." But  there  was  no  one  to  disprove  his  assertion,  and 
therefore  the  king  could  no  longer  refuse  to  surrender  to  him 
his  youngest  daughter. 

And  now  between  Gushtasp,  and  Mabrin,  and  Ahrun,  the 
warmest  friendship  subsisted.  Indeed  they  were  seldom  parted  ; 
and  the  three  sisters  remained  together  with  equal  affection. 
One  day  Kitabun,  the  wife  of  Gushtasp,  in  conversation  with 
some  of  her  female  acquaintance,  let  out  the  secret  that  her 
husband  was  the  person  who  killed  the  wolf  and  the  dragon. 

No  sooner  was  this  story  told,  than  it  spread,  and  in  the  end 
reached  the  ears  of  the  queen,  who  immediately  communicated 
it  to  the  king,  saying : — "  This  is  the  work  of  Gushtasp,  thy 
son-in-law,  of  him  thou  hast  banished  from  thy  presence — of 
him  who  nobly  would  not  disclose  his  name,  before  Mabrin  and 
Ahrun  had  attained  the  object  of  their  wishes."  The  king  said 


THE  SH/H    N^MEH  257 

in  reply  that  it  was  just  as  he  had  suspected ;  and  sending  for 
Gushtasp,  conferred  upon  him  great  honor,  and  appointed  him 
to  the  chief  command  of  his  army. 

Having  thus  possessed  himself  of  a  leader  of  such  skill  and 
intrepidity,  he  thought  it  necessary  to  turn  his  attention  to 
external  conquest,  and  accordingly  addressed  a  letter  to  Alias, 
the  ruler  of  Khuz,  in  which  he  said : — "  Thou  hast  hitherto 
enjoyed  thy  kingdom  in  peace  and  tranquillity ;  but  thou  must 
now  resign  it  to  me,  or  prepare  for  war."  Alias  on  receiving 
this  imperious  and  haughty  menace  collected  his  forces  to- 
gether, and  advanced  to  the  contest,  and  the  king  of  Rum  as- 
sembled his  own  troops  with  equal  expedition,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  Gushtasp.  The  battle  was  fought  with  great  valor  on 
both  sides,  and  blood  flowed  in  torrents.  Gushtasp  challenged 
Alias  to  single  combat,  and  the  warriors  met;  but  in  a  short 
time  the  enemy  was  thrown  from  his  horse,  and  dragged  by  the 
young  conqueror,  in  fetters,  before  the  king.  The  troops  wit- 
nessing the  prowess  of  Gushtasp,  quickly  fled ;  and  the  king 
commencing  a  hot  pursuit,  soon  entered  their  city  victoriously, 
subdued  the  whole  kingdom,  and  plundered  it  of  all  its  property 
and  wealth.  He  also  gained  over  the  army,  and  with  this 
powerful  addition  to  his  own  forces,  and  with  the  booty  he  had 
secured,  returned  triumphantly  to  Rum. 

In  consequence  of  this  brilliant  success,  the  king  conferred 
additional  honors  on  Gushtasp,  who  now  began  to  display  the 
ambition  which  he  had  long  cherished.  Aspiring  to  the  sov- 
ereignty of  Iran,  he  spoke  to  the  Rumi  warriors  on  the  subject 
of  an  invasion  of  that  country,  but  they  refused  to  enter  into 
his  schemes,  conceiving  that  there  was  no  chance  of  success. 
At  this  Gushtasp  took  fire,  and  declared  that  he  knew  the 
power  and  resources  of  his  father  perfectly,  and  that  the  con- 
quest would  be  attended  with  no  difficulty.  He  then  went  to 
the  king,  and  said :  "  Thy  chiefs  are  afraid  to  fight  against 
Lohurasp;  I  will  myself  undertake  the  task  with  even  an  in- 
considerable army."  The  king  was  overjoyed,  and  kissed  his 
head  and  face,  and  loaded  him  with  presents,  and  ordered  his 
secretary  to  write  to  Lohurasp  in  the  following  terms :  "  I  am 
anxious  to  meet  thee  in  battle,  but  if  thou  art  not  disposed  to 
fight,  I  will  permit  thee  to  remain  at  peace,  on  condition  of 
surrendering  to  me  half  thy  kingdom.  Should  this  be  refused, 
I  will  myself  deprive  thee  of  thy  whole  sovereignty."  When 
VOL.  I.— 17 


258  FIRDUSI 

this  letter  was  conveyed  by  the  hands  of  Kabus  to  Iran,  Lohu- 
rasp, upon  reading  it,  was  moved  to  laughter,  and  exclaimed, 
"  What  is  all  this  ?  The  king  of  Rum  has  happened  to  obtain 
possession  of  the  little  kingdom  of  Khuz,  and  he  has  become 
insane  with  pride !  "  He  then  asked  Kabus  by  what  means  he 
accomplished  the  capture  of  Khuz,  and  how  he  managed  to  kill 
Alias.  The  messenger  replied,  that  his  success  was  owing  to  a 
youth  of  noble  aspect  and  invincible  courage,  who  had  first 
destroyed  a  ferocious  wolf,  then  a  dragon,  and  had  afterwards 
dragged  Alias  from  his  horse,  with  as  much  ease  as  if  he  had 
been  a  chicken,  and  laid  him  prostrate  at  the  feet  of  the  king 
of  Rum.  Lohurasp  enquired  his  name,  and  he  answered, 
Gushtasp.  "  Does  he  resemble  in  feature  any  person  in  this 
assembly  ?  "  Kabus  looked  round  about  him,  and  pointed  to 
Zarir,  from  which  Lohurasp  concluded  that  it  must  be  his  own 
son,  and  sat  silent.  But  he  soon  determined  on  what  answer 
to  send,  and  it  was  contained  in  the  following  words :  "  Do  not 
take  me  for  an  Alias,  nor  think  that  one  hero  of  thine  is  com- 
petent to  oppose  me.  I  have  a  hundred  equal  to  him.  Con- 
tinue, therefore,  to  pay  me  tribute,  or  I  will  lay  waste  thy  whole 
country."  With  this  letter  he  dismissed  Kabus ;  and  as  soon 
as  the  messenger  had  departed,  addressed  himself  to  Zarir,  say- 
ing :  "  Thou  must  go  in  the  character  of  an  ambassador  from 
me  to  the  king  of  Rum,  and  represent  to  him  the  justice  and 
propriety  of  preserving  peace.  After  thy  conference  with  him 
repair  to  the  house  of  Gushtasp,  and  in  my  name  ask  his  for- 
giveness for  what  I  have  done.  I  was  not  before  aware  of  his 
merit,  and  day  and  night  I  think  of  him  with  repentance  and 
sorrow.  Tell  him  to  pardon  his  old  father's  infirmities,  and 
come  back  to  Iran,  to  his  own  country  and  home,  that  I  may 
resign  to  him  my  crown  and  throne,  and  like  Kai-khosrau,  take 
leave  of  the  world.  It  is  my  desire  to  deliver  myself  up  to 
prayer  and  devotion,  and  to  appoint  Gushtasp  my  successor,  for 
he  appears  to  be  eminently  worthy  of  that  honor."  Zarir 
acted  scrupulously,  in  conformity  with  his  instructions;  and 
having  first  had  an  interview  with  the  king,  hastened  to  the 
house  of  his  brother,  by  whom  he  was  received  with  affection 
and  gladness.  After  the  usual  interchange  of  congratulations 
and  enquiry,  he  stated  to  him  the  views  and  the  resolutions  of 
his  father,  who  on  the  faith  of  his  royal  word  promised  to 
appoint  him  his  successor,  and  thought  of  him  with  the  most 


THE  SH/H   N/MEH  259 

cordial  attachment.  Gushtasp  was  as  much  astonished  as  de- 
lighted with  this  information,  and  his  anxiety  being  great  to 
return  to  his  own  country,  he  that  very  night,  accompanied  by 
his  wife  Kitabun,  and  Zarir,  set  out  for  Iran.  Approaching  the 
city,  he  was  met  by  an  istakbal,  or  honorary  deputation  of 
warriors,  sent  by  the  king;  and  when  he  arrived  at  court, 
Lohurasp  descended  from  his  throne  and  embraced  him  with 
paternal  affection,  shedding  tears  of  contrition  for  having  pre- 
viously treated  him  not  only  with  neglect  but  severity.  How- 
ever he  now  made  him  ample  atonement,  and  ordering  a  golden 
chair  of  royalty  to  be  constructed  and  placed  close  to  his  own, 
they  both  sat  together,  and  the  people  by  command  tendered  to 
him  unanimously  their  respect  and  allegiance.  Lohurasp  re- 
peatedly said  to  him : — 

"  What  has  been  done  was  Fate's  decree, 
Man  cannot  strive  with  destiny. 
To  be  unfeeling  once  was  mine, 
At  length  to  be  a  sovereign  thine." 

Thus  spoke  the  king,  and  kissed  the  crown, 
And  gave  it  to  his  valiant  son. 

Soon  afterwards  he  relinquished  all  authority  in  the  empire, 
assumed  the  coarse  habit  of  a  recluse,  retired  to  a  celebrated 
place  of  pilgrimage,  near  Balkh.  There,  in  a  solitary  cell,  he 
devoted  the  remainder  of  his  life  to  prayer  and  the  worship 
of  God.  The  period  of  Lohurasp's  government  lasted  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  years. 


26o  FIRDUSI 


GUSHTASP,  AND  THE   FAITH   OF  ZERDUSHT 

I've  said  preceding  sovereigns  worshipped  God, 

By  whom  their  crowns  were  given  to  protect 

The  people  from  oppressors;    Him  they  served, 

Acknowledging  His  goodness — for  to  Him, 

The  pure,  unchangeable,  the  Holy  One! 

They  owed  their  greatness  and  their  earthly  power. 

But  after  times  produced  idolatry, 

And  Pagan  faith,  and  then  His  name  was  lost 

In  adoration  of  created  things. 

GUSHTASP  had  by  his  wife  Kitabun,  the  daughter  of 
the  king  of  Rum,  two  sons  named  Isfendiyar  and 
Bashutan,  who  were  remarkable  for  their  piety  and 
devotion  to  the  Almighty.  Being  the  great  king,  all  the  minor 
sovereigns  paid  him  tribute,  excepting  Arjasp,  the  ruler  of  Chin 
and  Ma-chin,  whose  army  consisted  of  Diws,  and  Peris,  and 
men ;  for  considering  him  of  superior  importance,  he  sent  him 
yearly  the  usual  tributary  present.  In  those  days  lived  Zer- 
dusht,  the  Guber,  who  was  highly  accomplished  in  the  knowl- 
edge of  divine  things ;  and  having  waited  upon  Gushtasp,  the 
king  became  greatly  pleased  with  his  learning  and  piety,  and 
took  him  into  his  confidence.  The  philosopher  explained  to 
him  the  doctrines  of  the  fire-worshippers,  and  by  his  art  he 
reared  a  tree  before  the  house  of  Gushtasp,  beautiful  in  its  foli- 
age and  branches,  and  whoever  ate  of  the  leaves  of  that  tree 
became  learned  and  accomplished  in  the  mysteries  of  the  future 
world,  and  those  who  ate  of  the  fruit  thereof  became  perfect  in 
wisdom  and  holiness. 

In  consequence  of  the  illness  of  Lohurasp,  who  was  nearly  at 
the  point  of  death,  Zerdusht  went  to  Balkh  for  the  purpose  of 
administering  relief  to  him,  and  he  happily  succeeded  in  restor- 
ing him  to  health.  On  his  return  he  was  received  with  addi- 
tional favor  by  Gushtasp,  who  immediately  afterwards  became 
his  disciple.  Zerdusht  then  told  him  that  he  was  the  prophet 
of  God,  and  promised  to  show  him  miracles.  He  said  he  had 
been  to  heaven  and  to  hell.  He  could  send  anyone,  by  prayer, 
to  heaven  ;  and  whomsoever  he  was  angry  with  he  could  send 
to  hell.  He  had  seen  the  seven  mansions  of  the  celestial  re- 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  261 

gions,  and  the  thrones  of  sapphires,  and  all  the  secrets  of 
heaven  were  made  known  to  him  by  his  attendant  angel.  He 
said  that  the  sacred  book,  called  Zendavesta,  descended  from 
above  expressly  for  him,  and  that  if  Gushtasp  followed  the 
precepts  in  that  blessed  volume,  he  would  attain  celestial  fe- 
licity. Gushtasp  readily  became  a  convert  to  his  principles, 
forsaking  the  pure  adoration  of  God  for  the  religion  of  the  fire- 
worshippers.  The  philosopher  further  said  that  he  had  pre- 
pared a  ladder,  by  which  he  had  ascended  into  heaven  and  had 
seen  the  Almighty.  This  made  the  disciple  still  more  obedient 
to  Zerdusht.  One  day  he  asked  Gushtasp  why  he  condescended 
to  pay  tribute  to  Arjasp ;  "  God  is  on  thy  side,"  said  he,  "  and 
if  thou  desirest  an  extension  of  territory,  the  whole  country  of 
Chin  may  be  easily  conquered."  Gushtasp  felt  ashamed  at  this 
reproof,  and  to  restore  his  character,  sent  a  dispatch  to  Arjasp, 
in  which  he  said,  "  Former  kings  who  paid  thee  tribute  did  so 
from  terror  only,  but  now  the  empire  is  mine ;  and  it  is  my 
will,  and  I  have  the  power,  to  resist  the  payment  of  it  in 
future."  This  letter  gave  great  offence  to  Arjasp ;  who  at  once 
suspected  that  the  fire-worshipper,  Zerdusht,  had  poisoned  his 
mind,  and  seduced  him  from  his  pure  and  ancient  religion,  and 
was  attempting  to  circumvent  and  lead  him  to  his  ruin.  He 
answered  him  thus :  "  It  is  well  known  that  thou  hast  now 
forsaken  the  right  path,  and  involved  thyself  in  darkness. 
Thou  hast  chosen  a  guide  possessed  of  the  attributes  of  Iblis, 
who  with  the  art  of  a  magician  has  seduced  thee  from  the 
worship  of  the  true  God,  from  that  God  who  gave  thee  thy 
kingdom  and  thy  grandeur.  Thy  father  feared  God,  and 
became  a  holy  Dirvesh,  whilst  thou  hast  lost  thy  way  in 
wickedness  and  impiety.  It  will  therefore  be  a  meritorious 
action  in  me  to  vindicate  the  true  worship  and  oppose  thy 
blasphemous  career  with  all  my  demons-.  In  a  month  or  two 
I  will  enter  thy  kingdom  with  fire  and  sword,  and  destroy  thy 
authority  and  thee.  I  would  give  thee  good  advice ;  do  not  be 
influenced  by  a  wicked  counsellor,  but  return  to  thy  former 
religious  practices.  Weigh  well,  therefore,  what  I  say."  Arjasp 
sent  this  letter  by  two  of  his  demons,  familiar  with  sorcery; 
and  when  it  was  delivered  into  the  hands  of  Gushtasp,  a  council 
was  held  to  consider  its  contents,  to  which  Zerdusht  was  im- 
mediately summoned.  Jamasp,  the  minister,  said  that  the  sub- 
ject required  deep  thought,  and  great  prudence  was  necessary 


262  FIRDUSI 

in  framing  a  reply ;  but  Zerdusht  observed,  that  the  only  reply 
was  obvious — nothing  but  war  could  be  thought  of.  At  this 
moment  Isfendiyar  gallantly  offered  to  lead  the  army,  but  Zarir, 
his  uncle,  objected  to  him  on  account  of  his  extreme  youth,  and 
proposed  to  take  the  command  himself,  which  Gushtasp  agreed 
to,  and  the  two  demon-envoys  were  dismissed.  The  answer  was 
briefly  as  follows : — 

"  Thy  boast  is  that  them  wilt  in  two  short  months 
Ravage  my  country,  scathe  with  fire  and  sword 
The  empire  of  Iran;    but  on  thyself 
Heap  not  destruction;   pause  before  thy  pride 
Hurries  thee  to  thy  ruin.     I  will  open 
The  countless  treasures  of  the  realm;    my  warriors, 
A  thousand  thousand,  armed  with  shining  steel, 
Shall  overrun  thy  kingdom;  I  myself 
Will  crush  that  head  of  thine  beneath  my  feet." 

The  result  of  these  menaces  was  the  immediate  prosecution 
of  the  war,  and  no  time  was  lost  by  Arjasp  in  hastening  into 
Iran. 

Plunder  and  devastation  marked  his  course, 

The  villages  were  all  involved  in  flames, 

Palace  of  pride,  low  cot,  and  lofty  tower; 

The  trees  dug  up,  and  root  and  branch  destroyed. 

Gushtasp  then  hastened  to  repel  his  foes; 

But  to  his  legions  they  seemed  wild  and  strange, 

And  terrible  in  aspect,  and  no  light 

Could  struggle  through  the  gloom  they  had  diffused, 

To  hide  their  progress. 

Zerdusht  said  to  Gushtasp,  "  Ask  thy  vizir,  Jamasp,  what  is 
written  in  thy  horoscope,  that  he  may  relate  to  thee  the  dis- 
pensations of  heaven."  Jamasp,  in  reply  to  the  inquiry,  took 
the  king  aside  and  whispered  softly  to  him :  "  A  great  num- 
ber of  thy  brethren,  thy  relations,  and  warriors  will  be  slain 
in  the  conflict,  but  in  the  end  thou  wilt  be  victorious."  Gush- 
tasp deeply  lamented  the  coming  event,  which  involved  the 
destruction  of  his  kinsmen,  but  did  not  shrink  from  the  battle, 
for  he  exulted  in  the  anticipation  of  obtaining  the  victory. 
The  contest  was  begun  with  indescribable  eagerness  and  im- 
petuosity. 

Approaching,  each  a  prayer  addrest 

To  Heaven,  and  thundering  forward  prest; 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  263 

Thick  showers  of  arrows  gloomed  the  sky, 
The  battle-storm  raged  long  and  high; 
Above,  black  clouds  their  darkness  spread, 
Below,  the  earth  with  blood  was  red. 

Ardshir,  the  son  of  Lohurasp,  and  descended  from  Kai-kaus, 
was  one  of  the  first  to  engage ;  he  killed  many,  and  was  at  last 
killed  himself.  After  him,  his  brother  Shydasp  was  killed. 
Then  Bishu,  the  son  of  Jamasp,  urged  on  his  steed,  and  with 
consummate  bravery  destroyed  a  great  number  of  warriors. 
Zarir,  equally  bold  and  intrepid,  also  rushed  amidst  the  host, 
and  whether  demons  or  men  opposed  him,  they  were  all  laid 
lifeless  on  the  field.  He  then  rode  up  towards  Arjasp,  scat- 
tered the  ranks,  and  penetrated  the  headquarters,  which  put 
the  king  into  great  alarm :  for  he  exclaimed : — "  What,  have 
ye  no  courage,  no  shame!  whoever  kills  Zarir  shall  have  a 
magnificent  reward."  Bai-derafsh,  one  of  the  demons,  ani- 
mated by  this  offer,  came  forward,  and  with  remorseless  fury 
attacked  Zarir.  The  onset  was  irresistible,  and  the  young 
prince  was  soon  overthrown  and  bathed  in  his  own  blood.  The 
news  of  the  unfortunate  catastrophe  deeply  affected  Gushtasp, 
who  cried,  in  great  grief:  "  Is  there  no  one  to  take  vengeance 
for  this  ? "  when  Isfendiyar  presented  himself,  kissed  the 
ground  before  his  father,  and  anxiously  asked  permission  to 
engage  the  demon.  Gushtasp  assented,  and  told  him  that  if  he 
killed  the  demon  and  defeated  the  enemy,  he  would  surrender 
to  him  his  crown  and  throne. 

"  When  we  from  this  destructive  field  return, 
Isfendiyar,  my  son,  shall  wear  the  crown, 
And  be  the  glorious  leader  of  my  armies." 

Saying  this,  he  dismounted  from  his  famous  black  horse, 
called  Behzad,  the  gift  of  Kai-khosrau,  and  presented  it  to 
Isfendiyar.  The  greatest  clamor  and  lamentation  had  arisen 
among  the  Persian  army,  for  they  thought  that  Bai-derafsh  had 
committed  such  dreadful  slaughter,  the  moment  of  utter  defeat 
was  at  hand,  when  Isfendiyar  galloped  forward,  mounted  on 
Behzad,  and  turned  the  fortunes  of  the  day.  He  saw  the 
demon  with  the  mail  of  Zarir  on  his  breast,  foaming  at  the 
mouth  with  rage,  and  called  aloud  to  him,  "Stand,  thou  mur- 
derer !  "  The  stern  voice,  the  valor,  and  majesty  of  Isfendiyar, 
made  the  demon  tremble,  but  he  immediately  discharged  a 


264  FIRDUSI 

blow  with  his  dagger  at  his  new  opponent,  who  however  seized 
the  weapon  with  his  left  hand,  and  with  his  right  plunged  a 
spear  into  the  monster's  breast,  and  drove  it  through  his  body. 
Isfendiyar  then  cut  off  his  head,  remounted  his  horse,  and  that 
instant  was  by  the  side  of  Bishu,  the  son  of  the  vizir,  into  whose 
charge  he  gave  the  severed  head  of  Bai-derafsh,  and  the  armor 
of  Zarir.  Bishu  now  attired  himself  in  his  father's  mail,  and 
fastening  the  head  on  his  horse,  declared  that  he  would  take 
his  post  close  by  Isfendiyar,  whatever  might  betide.  Firshaid, 
another  Iranian  warrior,  came  to  the  spot  at  the  same  moment, 
and  expressed  the  same  resolution,  so  that  all  three,  thus  acci- 
dentally met,  determined  to  encounter  Arjasp  and  capture  him. 
Isfendiyar  led  the  way,  and  the  other  two  followed.  Arjasp, 
seeing  that  he  was  singled  out  by  three  warriors,  and  that  the 
enemy's  force  was  also  advancing  to  the  attack  in  great  num- 
bers, gave  up  the  struggle,  and  was  the  first  to  retreat.  His 
troops  soon  threw  away  their  arms  and  begged  for  quarter,  and 
many  of  them  were  taken  prisoners  by  the  Iranians.  Gushtasp 
now  approached  the  dead  body  of  Zarir,  and  lamenting  deeply 
over  his  unhappy  fate,  placed  him  in  a  coffin,  and  built  over 
him  a  lofty  monument,  around  which  lights  were  ever  after- 
wards kept  burning,  night  and  day;  and  he  also  taught  the 
people  the  worship  of  fire,  and  was  anxious  to  establish  every- 
where the  religion  of  Zerdusht. 

Jamasp  appointed  officers  to  ascertain  the  number  of  killed 
in  the  battle.  Of  Iranians  there  were  thirty  thousand,  among 
whom  were  eight  hundred  chiefs;  and  the  enemy's  loss 
amounted  to  nine  hundred  thousand,  and  also  eleven  hundred 
and  sixty-three  chiefs.  Gushtasp  rejoiced  at  the  glorious  re- 
sult, and  ordered  the  drums  to  be  sounded  to  celebrate  the  vic- 
tory, and  he  increased  his  favor  upon  Zerdusht,  who  originated 
the  war,  and  told  him  to  call  his  triumphant  son,  Isfendiyar, 
near  him. 

The  gallant  youth  the  summons  hears, 

And  midst  the  royal  court  appears, 
Close  by  his  father's  side, 

The  mace,  cow-headed,  in  his  hand; 

His  air  and  glance  express  command, 
And  military  pride. 

Gushtasp  beholds  with  heart  elate. 
The  conqueror  so  young,  so  great, 
And  places  round  his  brows  the  crown, 


THE  SHA*H   NAMEH  265 

The  promised  crown,  the  high  reward, 
Proud  token  of  a  mighty  king's  regard, 
Conferred  upon  his  own. 

After  Gushtasp  had  crowned  his  son  as  his  successor,  he  told 
him  that  he  must  not  now  waste  his  time  in  peace  and  private 
gratification,  but  proceed  to  the  conquest  of  other  countries. 
Zerdusht  was  also  deeply  interested  in  his  further  operations, 
and  recommended  him  to  subdue  kingdoms  for  the  purpose  of 
diffusing  everywhere  the  new  religion,  that  the  whole  world 
might  be  enlightened  and  edified.  Isfendiyar  instantly  com- 
plied, and  the  first  kingdom  he  invaded  was  Rum.  The  sov- 
ereign of  that  country  having  no  power  nor  means  to  resist  the 
incursions  of  the  enemy,  readily  adopted  the  faith  of  Zer- 
dusht, and  accepted  the  sacred  book  named  Zendavesta,  as 
his  spiritual  instructor.  Isfendiyar  afterwards  invaded  Hin- 
dustan and  Arabia,  and  several  other  countries,  and  success- 
fully established  the  religion  of  the  fire-worshippers  in  them  all. 

Where'er  he  went  he  was  received 
With  welcome,  all  the  world  believed, 
And  all  with  grateful  feelings  took 
The  Holy  Zendavesta-book, 
Proud  their  new  worship  to  declare, 
The  worship  of  Isfendiyar. 

The  young  conqueror  communicated  by  letters  to  his  father 
the  success  with  which  he  had  disseminated  the  religion  of 
Zerdusht,  and  requested  to  know  what  other  enterprises  re- 
quired his  aid.  Gushtasp  rejoiced  exceedingly,  and  com- 
manded a  grand  banquet  to  be  prepared.  It  happened  that 
Gurzam  a  warrior,  was  particularly  befriended  by  the  king,  but 
retaining  secretly  in  his  heart  a  bitter  enmity  to  Isfendiyar, 
now  took  an  opportunity  to  gratify  his  malice,  and  privately 
told  Gushtasp  that  he  had  heard  something  highly  atrocious  in 
the  disposition  of  the  prince.  Gushtasp  was  anxious  to  know 
what  it  was ;  and  he  said,  "  Isfendiyar  has  subdued  almost 
every  country  in  the  world:  he  is  a  dangerous  person  at  the 
head  of  an  immense  army,  and  at  this  very  moment  meditates 
taking  Balkh,  and  making  even  thee  his  prisoner! 

Thou  know'st  not  that  thy  son  Isfendiyar 
Is  hated  by  the  army.     It  is  said 
Ambition  fires  his  brain,  and  to  secure 
The  empire  to  himself,  his  wicked  aim 


266  FIRDUSI 

Is  to  rebel  against  his  generous  father. 

This  is  the  sum  of  my  intelligence; 

But  thou'rt  the  king,  I  speak  but  what  I  hear." 

These  malicious  accusations  by  Gurzam  insidiously  made, 
produced  great  vexation  in  the  mind  of  Gushtasp.  The 
banquet  went  on,  and  for  three  days  he  drank  wine  incessantly, 
without  sleep  or  rest  because  his  sorrow  was  extreme.  On  the 
fourth  day  he  said  to  his  minister :  "  Go  with  this  letter  to 
Isfendiyar,  and  accompany  him  hither  to  me."  Jamasp,  the 
minister,  went  accordingly  on  the  mission,  and  when  he 
arrived,  the  prince  said  to  him,  "  I  have  dreamt  that  my  father 
is  angry  with  me." — "  Then  thy  dream  is  true,"  replied 
Jamasp,  "  thy  father  is  indeed  angry  with  thee." — "  What 
crime,  what  fault  have  I  committed  ? 

Is  it  because  I  have  with  ceaseless  toil 

Spread  wide  the  Zendavesta,  and  converted 

Whole  kingdoms  to  that  faith?    Is  it  because 

For  him  I  conquered  those  far-distant  kingdoms, 

With  this  good  sword  of  mine?    Why  clouds  his  brow 

Upon  his  son — some  demon  must  have  changed 

His  temper,  once  affectionate  and  kind, 

Calling  me  to  him  thus  in  anger!    Thou 

Hast  ever  been  my  friend,  my  valued  friend 

Say,  must  I  go?    Thy  counsel  I  require." 

"  The  son  does  wrong  who  disobeys  his  father, 
Despising  his  command,"  Jamasp  replied. 

"  Yet,"  said  Isfendiyar,  "  why  should  I  go? 
He  is  in  wrath,  it  cannot  be  for  good." 

"  Know'st  thou  not  that  a  father's  wrath  is  kindness? 
The  anger  of  a  father  to  his  child 
Is  far  more  precious  than  the  love  and  fon.dness 
Felt  by  that  child  for  him.    'Tis  good  to  go, 
Whatever  the  result,  he  is  the  king, 
And  more — he  is  thy  father!  " 

Isfendiyar  immediately  consented,  and  appointed  Bahman, 
his  eldest  son,  to  fill  his  place  in  the  army  during  his  absence. 
He  had  four  sons :  the  name  of  the  second  was  Mihrbiis  ;  of  the 
third,  Avir;  and  of  the  fourth,  Nushahder;  and  these  three 
he  took  along  with  him  on  his  journey. 

Before  he  had  arrived  at  Balkh,  Gushtasp  had  concerted 
measures  to  secure  him  as  a  prisoner,  with  an  appearance  of 


THE   SH/H   NXMEH  267 

justice  and  impartiality.  On  his  arrival,  he  waited  on  the 
king  respectfully,  and  was  thus  received :  "  Thou  hast  become 
the  great  king!  Thou  hast  conquered  many  countries,  but 
why  am  I  unworthy  in  thy  sight?  Thy  ambition  is  indeed 
excessive."  Isfendiyar  replied :  "  However  great  I  may  be,  I 
am  still  thy  servant,  and  wholly  at  thy  command."  Upon 
hearing  this,  Gushtasp  turned  towards  his  courtiers,  and  said, 
"  What  ought  to  be  done  with  that  son,  who  in  the  lifetime  of 
his  father  usurps  his  authority,  and  even  attempts  to  eclipse 
him  in  grandeur?  What!  I  ask,  should  be  done  with  such 
a  son ! " 

"  Such  a  son  should  either  be 

Broken  on  the  felon  tree, 

Or  in  prison  bound  with  chains, 

Whilst  his  wicked  life  remains, 

Else  thyself,  this  kingdom,  all 

Will  be  ruined  by  his  thrall!  " 

To  this  heavy  denunciation  Isfendiyar  replied :  "  I  have 
received  all  my  honors  from  the  king,  by  whom  I  am  appointed 
to  succeed  to  the  throne ;  but  at  his  pleasure  I  willingly  resign 
them."  However,  concession  and  remonstrance  were  equally 
fruitless,  and  he  was  straightway  ordered  to  be  confined  in  the 
tower-prison  of  the  fort  situated  on  the  adjacent  mountain,  and 
secured  with  chains. 

Dreadful  the  sentence:  all  who  saw  him  wept; 
And  sternly  they  conveyed  him  to  the  tower, 
Where  to  four  columns,  deeply  fixed  in  earth, 
And  reaching  to  the  skies,  of  iron  formed, 
They  bound  him;   merciless  they  were  to  him 
Who  had  given  splendour  to  a  mighty  throne. 
Mournful  vicissitude !    Thus  pain  and  pleasure 
Successive  charm  and  tear  the  heart  of  man; 
And  many  a  day  in  that  drear  solitude, 
He  lingered,  shedding  tears  of  blood,  till  times 
Of  happier  omen  dawned  upon  his  fortunes. 

Having  thus  made  Isfendiyar  secure  in  the  mountain-prison, 
and  being  entirely  at  ease  about  the  internal  safety  of  the 
empire,  Gushtasp  was  anxious  to  pay  a  visit  to  Zal  and  Rustem 
at  Sistan,  and  to  convert  them  to  the  religion  of  Zerdusht.  On 
his  approach  to  Sistan  he  was  met  and  respectfully  welcomed 
by  Rustem,  who  afterwards  in  open  assembly  received  the 
Zendavesta  and  adopted  the  new  faith,  which  he  propagated 


268  FIRDUSI 

throughout  his  own  territory ;  but,  according  to  common  report 
it  was  fear  of  Gushtasp  alone  which  induced  him  to  pursue  this 
course.  Gushtasp  remained  two  years  his  guest,  enjoying  all 
kinds  of  recreation,  and  particularly  the  sports  of  the  field  and 
the  forests. 

When  Bahman,  the  son  of  Isfendiyar,  heard  of  the  imprison- 
ment of  his  father,  he,  in  grief  and  alarm,  abandoned  his  trust, 
dismissed  the  army,  and  proceeded  to  Balkh,  where  he  joined 
his  two  brothers,  and  wept  over  the  fate  of  their  unhappy 
father. 

In  the  meantime  the  news  of  the  confinement  of  Isfendiyar, 
and  the  absence  of  Gushtasp  at  Sistan,  and  the  unprotected 
state  of  Balkh,  stimulated  Arjasp  to  a  further  effort,  and  he 
despatched  his  son  Kahram  with  a  large  army  towards  the 
capital  of  the  enemy,  to  carry  into  effect  his  purpose  of  revenge. 
Lohurasp  was  still  in  religious  retirement  at  Balkh.  The  people 
were  under  great  apprehension,  and  being  without  a  leader, 
anxiously  solicited  the  old  king  to  command  them,  but  he  said 
that  he  had  abandoned  all  earthly  concerns,  and  had  devoted 
himself  to  God,  and  therefore  could  not  comply  with  their  en- 
treaties. But  they  would  hear  no  denial,  and,  as  it  were,  tore 
dim  from  his  place  of  refuge  and  prayer.  There  were  assembled 
only  about  one  thousand  horsemen,  and  with  these  he  ad- 
vanced to  battle ;  but  what  were  they  compared  to  the  hundred 
thousand  whom  they  met,  and  by  whom  they  were  soon  sur- 
rounded. Their  bravery  was  useless.  They  were  at  once  over- 
powered and  defeated,  and  Lohurasp  himself  was  unfortunately 
among  the  slain. 

Upon  the  achievement  of  his  victory,  Kahram  entered 
Balkh  in  triumph,  made  the  people  prisoners,  and  destroyed 
all  the  places  of  worship  belonging  to  the  Gubers.  He  also 
killed  the  keeper  of  the  altar,  and  burnt  the  Zendavesta,  which 
contained  the  formulary  of  their  doctrines  and  belief. 

One  of  the  women  of  Gushtasp's  household  happened  to 
elude  the  grasp  of  the  invader,  and  hastened  to  Sistan  to  inform 
the  king  of  the  disaster  that  had  occurred.  "  Thy  father  is 
killed,  the  city  is  taken,  and  thy  women  and  daughters  in  the 
power  of  the  conqueror."  Gushtasp  received  the  news  with 
consternation,  and  prepared  with  the  utmost  expedition  for  his 
departure.  He  invited  Rustem  to  accompany  him,  but  the 
champion  excused  himself  at  the  time,  and  afterwards  declined 


THE  SHAH   NXMEH  269 

altogether  on  the  plea  of  sickness.  Before  he  had  yet  arrived 
at  Balkh,  Kahram  hearing  of  his  approach,  went  out  to  meet 
him  with  his  whole  army,  and  was  joined  on  the  same  day  by 
Arjasp  and  his  demon-legions. 

Great  was  the  uproar,  loud  the  brazen  drums 

And  trumpets  rung,  the  earth  shook,  and  seemed  rent 

By  that  tremendous  conflict,  javelins  flew 

Like  hail  on  every  side,  and  the  warm  blood 

Streamed  from  the  wounded  and  the  dying  men. 

The  claim  of  kindred  did  not  check  the  arm 

Lifted  in  battle — mercy  there  was  none, 

For  all  resigned  themselves  to  chance  or  fate, 

Or  what  the  ruling  Heavens  might  decree. 

At  last  the  battle  terminated  in  the  defeat  of  Gushtasp,  who 
was  pursued  till  he  was  obliged  to  take  refuge  in  a  mountain- 
fort.  He  again  consulted  Jamasp  to  know  what  the  stars  fore- 
told, and  Jamasp  replied  that  he  would  recover  from  the  defeat 
through  the  exertions  of  Isfendiyar  alone.  Pleased  with  this 
interpretation,  he  on  that  very  day  sent  Jamasp  to  the  prison 
with  a  letter  to  Isfendiyar,  in  which  he  hoped  to  be  pardoned 
for  the  cruelty  he  had  been  guilty  of  towards  him,  in  conse- 
quence, he  said,  of  being  deceived  by  the  arts  and  treachery  of 
those  who  were  only  anxious  to  effect  his  ruin.  He  declared 
too  that  he  would  put  those  enemies  to  death  in  his  presence, 
and  replace  the  royal  crown  upon  his  head.  At  the  same  time 
he  confined  in  chains  Gurzam,  the  wretch  who  first  practised 
upon  his  feelings.  Jamasp  rode  immediately  to  the  prison,  and 
delivering  the  letter,  urged  the  prince  to  comply  with  his 
father's  entreaties,  but  Isfendiyar  was  incredulous  and  not  so 
easily  to  be  moved. 

"  Has  he  not  at  heart  disdained  me? 
Has  he  not  in  prison  chained  me? 
Am  I  not  his  son,  that  he 
Treats  me  ignominiously? 

"  Why  should  Gurzam's  scorn  and  hate 

Rouse  a  loving  father's  wrath? 
Why  should  he,  the  foul  ingrate, 
Cast  destruction  in  my  path?  " 

Jamasp,  however,  persevered  in  his  anxious  solicitations, 
describing  to  him  how  many  of  his  brethren  and  kindred  had 


270  FIRDUSI 

fallen,  and  also  the  perilous  situation  of  his  own  father  if  he 
refused  his  assistance.  By  a  thousand  various  efforts  he  at 
length  effected  his  purpose,  and  the  blacksmith  was  called  to 
take  off  his  chains ;  but  in  removing  them,  the  anguish  of  the 
wounds  they  had  inflicted  was  so  great  that  Isfendiyar  fainted 
away.  Upon  his  recovery  he  was  escorted  to  the  presence 
of  his  father,  who  received  him  with  open  arms,  and  the 
strongest  expressions  of  delight.  He  begged  to  be  forgiven 
for  his  unnatural  conduct  to  him,  again  resigned  to  him  the 
throne  of  the  empire,  and  appointed  him  to  the  command  of 
the  imperial  armies.  He  then  directed  Gurzam,  upon  whose 
malicious  counsel  he  had  acted,  to  be  brought  before  him,  and 
the  wicked  minister  was  punished  with  death  on  the  spot,  and 
in  the  presence  of  the  injured  prince. 

Wretch!  more  relentless  even  than  wolf  or  pard, 
Thou  hast  at  length  received  thy  just  reward! 

When  Arjasp  heard  that  Isfendiyar  had  been  reconciled  to 
his  father,  and  was  approaching  at  the  head  of  an  immense 
army,  he  was  affected  with  the  deepest  concern,  and  forthwith 
sent  his  son  Kahram  to  endeavor  to  resist  the  progress  of  the 
enemy.  At  the  same  time  Kurugsar,  a  gladiator  of  the  demon 
race,  requested  that  he  might  be  allowed  to  oppose  Isfendiyar ; 
and  permission  being  granted,  he  was  the  very  first  on  the 
field,  where  instantly  wielding  his  bow,  he  shot  an  arrow  at 
Isfendiyar,  which  pierced  through  the  mail,  but  fortunately  for 
him  did  no  serious  harm.  The  prince  drew  his  sword  with  the 
intention  of  attacking  him,  but  seeing  him  furious  with  rage, 
and  being  doubtful  of  the  issue,  thought  it  more  prudent  and 
safe  to  try  his  success  with  the  noose.  Accordingly  he  took 
the  kamund  from  his  saddle-strap,  and  dexterously  flung  it 
round  the  neck  of  his  arrogant  foe,  who  was  pulled  headlong 
from  his  horse:  and,  as  soon  as  his  arms  were  bound  behind 
his  back,  dragged  a  prisoner  in  front  of  the  Persian  ranks. 
Isfendiyar  then  returned  to  the  battle,  attacked  a  body  of  the 
enemy's  auxiliaries,  killed  a  hundred  and  sixty  of  their  warriors, 
and  made  the  division  of  which  Kahram  was  the  leader  fly  in 
all  directions.  His  next  feat  was  to  attack  another  force,  which 
had  confederated  against  him. 

With  slackened  rein  he  galloped  o'er  the  field; 

Blood  gushed  from  every  stroke  of  his  sharp  sword, 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  271 

And  reddened  all  the  plain;  a  hundred  warriors 
Eighty  and  five,  in  treasure  rich  and  mail, 
Sunk  underneath  him,  such  his  mighty  power. 

His  remaining  object  was  to  assail  the  centre,  where  Arjasp 
himself  was  stationed;  and  thither  he  rapidly  hastened. 
Arjasp,  angry  and  alarmed  at  this  success,  cried  out,  "What ! 
is  one  man  allowed  to  scathe  all  my  ranks,  cannot  my  whole 
army  put  an  end  to  his  dreadful  career?"  The  soldiers 
replied,  "  No !  he  has  a  body  of  brass,  and  the  vigor  of  an 
elephant:  our  swords  make  no  impression  upon  him,  whilst 
with  his  sword  he  can  cut  the  body  of  a  warrior,  cased  in  mail, 
in  two,  with  the  greatest  ease.  Against  such  a  foe,  what  can  we 
do  ?  "  Isfendiyar  rushed  on ;  and  after  an  overwhelming  attack, 
Arjasp  was  compelled  to  quit  his  ground  and  effect  his  escape. 
The  Iranian  troops  were  then  ordered  to  pursue  the  fugitives, 
and  in  revenge  for  the  death  of  Lohurasp,  not  to  leave  a  man 
alive.  The  carnage  was  in  consequence  terrible,  and  the  re- 
maining Turanians  were  in  such  despair  that  they  flung  them- 
selves from  their  exhausted  horses,  and  placing  straw  in  their 
mouths  to  show  the  extremity  of  their  misfortune,  called  aloud 
for  quarter.  Isfendiyar  was  moved  at  last  to  compassion,  and 
put  an  end  to  the  fight ;  and  when  he  came  before  Gushtasp, 
the  mail  on  his  body,  from  the  number  of  arrows  sticking  in  it, 
looked  like  a  field  of  reeds;  about  a  thousand  arrows  were 
taken  out  of  its  folds.  Gushtasp  kissed  his  head  and  face,  and 
blessed  him,  and  prepared  a  grand  banquet,  and  the  city  of 
Balkh  resounded  with  rejoicings  on  account  of  the  great 
victory. 

Many  days  had  not  elapsed  before  a  further  enterprise  was 
to  be  undertaken.  The  sisters  of  Isfendiyar  were  still  in  con- 
finement, and  required  to  be  released.  The  prince  readily 
complied  with  the  wishes  of  Gushtasp,  who  now  repeated  to 
him  his  desire  to  relinquish  the  cares  of  sovereignty,  and  place 
the  reins  of  government  in  his  hands,  that  he  might  devote 
himself  entirely  to  the  service  of  God. 

"  To  thee  I  yield  the  crown  and  throne, 
Fit  to  be  held  by  thee  alone; 
From  worldly  care  and  trouble  free, 
A  hermit's  cell  is  enough  for  me." 


27*  FIRDUSI 

But  Isfendiyar  replied,  that  he  had  no  desire  to  be  possessed 
of  the  power ;  he  rather  wished  for  the  prosperity  of  the  king, 
and  no  change. 

"  O,  may  thy  life  be  long  and  blessed, 
And  ever  by  the  good  caressed; 
For  'tis  my  duty  still  to  be 
Devoted  faithfully  to  thee! 
I  want  no  throne,  nor  diadem; 
My  soul  has  no  delight  in  them. 
I  only  seek  to  give  thee  joy, 
And  gloriously  my  sword  employ. 
I  thirst  for  vengeance  on  Arjasp: 
To  crush  him  in  my  iron  grasp, 
That  from  his  thrall  I  may  restore 
My  sisters  to  their  home  again, 
Who  now  their  heavy  fate  deplore, 
And  toiling  drag  a  slavish  chain." 
"  Then  go!  "  the  smiling  monarch  said, 
Invoking  blessings  on  his  head, 
"  And  may  kind  Heaven  thy  refuge  be, 
And  lead  thee  on  to  victory." 

Isfendiyar  now  told  his  father  that  his  prisoner  Kurugsar 
was  continually  requesting  him  to  represent  his  condition  in  the 
royal  ear,  saying,  "  Of  what  use  will  it  be  to  put  me  to  death  ? 
No  benefit  can  arise  from  such  a  punishment.  Spare  my  life, 
and  you  will  see  how  largely  I  am  able  to  contribute  to  your 
assistance."  Gushtasp  expressed  his  willingness  to  be  merciful, 
but  demanded  a  guarantee  on  oath  from  the  petitioner  that  he 
would  heart  and  soul  be  true  and  faithful  to  his  benefactor. 
The  oath  was  sworn,  after  which  his  bonds  were  taken  from  his 
hands  and  feet,  and  he  was  set  at  liberty.  The  king  then 
called  him,  and  pressed  him  with  goblets  of  wine,  which  made 
him  merry.  "  I  have  pardoned  thee,"  said  Gushtasp,  "  at  the 
special  entreaty  of  Isfendiyar — be  grateful  to  him,  and  be 
attentive  to  his  commands."  After  that,  Isfendiyar  took  and 
conveyed  him  to  his  own  house,  that  he  might  have  an  oppor- 
tunity of  experiencing  and  proving  the  promised  fidelity  of  his 
new  ally. 


THE   SHAH    NA*MEH  273 


THE  HEFT-KHAN   OF  ISFENDIYAR 

Rustem  had  seven  great  labours,  wondrous  power 
Nerved  his  strong  arm  in  danger's  needful  hour; 
And  now  Firdusi's  legend-strains  declare 
The  seven  great  labours  of  Isfendiyar. 

THE  prince,  who  had  determined  to  undertake  the  new 
expedition,  and  appeared  confident  of  success,  now 
addressed  himself  to  Kurugsar,  and  said,  "  If  I  con- 
quer the  kingdom  of  Arjasp,  and  restore  my  sisters  to  liberty, 
thou  shalt  have  for  thyself  any  principality  thou  may'st  choose 
within  the  boundaries  of  Iran  and  Turan,  and  thy  name  shall  be 
exalted ;  but  beware  of  treachery  or  fraud,  for  falsehood  shall 
certainly  be  punished  with  death."  To  this  Kurugsar  replied, 
"  I  have  already  sworn  a  solemn  oath  to  the  king,  and  at  thy 
intercession  he  has  spared  my  life — why  then  should  I  depart 
from  the  truth,  and  betray  my  benefactor?  " 

"  Then  tell  me  the  road  to  the  brazen  fortress,  and  how  far 
it  is  distant  from  this  place  ?  "  said  Isfendiyar. 

"  There  are  three  different  routes,"  replied  Kurugsar.  "  One 
will  occupy  three  months ;  it  leads  through  a  beautiful  country, 
adorned  with  cities,  and  gardens,  and  pastures,  and  is  pleasant 
to  the  traveller.  The  second  is  less  attractive,  the  prospects 
less  agreeable,  and  will  only  employ  two  months;  the  third, 
however,  may  be  accomplished  in  seven  days,  and  is  thence 
called  the  Heft-khan,  or  seven  stages ;  but  at  every  stage  some 
monster,  or  terrible  difficulty,  must  be  overcome.  No  monarch, 
even  supported  by  a  large  army,  has  ever  yet  ventured  to  pro- 
ceed by  this  route ;  and  if  it  is  ever  attempted,  the  whole  party 
will  be  assuredly  lost. 

Nor  strength,  nor  juggling,  nor  the  sorcerer's  art 
Can  help  him  safely  through  that  awful  path, 
Beset  with  wolves  and  dragons,  wild  and  fierce, 
From  whom  the  fleetest  have  no  power  to  fly. 
There  an  enchantress,  doubly  armed  with  spells, 
The  most  accomplished  of  that  magic  brood, 
Spreads  wide  her  snares  to  charm  and  to  destroy, 
And  ills  of  every  shape,  and  horrid  aspect, 
Cross  the  tired  traveller  at  every  step." 
VOL.  I.— 18 


274  FIRDUSI 

At  this  description  of  the  terrors  of  the  Heft-khan,  Isfendiyar 
became  thoughtful  for  awhile,  and  then,  resigning  himself  to 
the  providence  of  God,  resolved  to  take  the  shortest  route. 
"  No  man  can  die  before  his  time,"  said  he ;  "  heaven  is  my 
protector,  and  I  will  fearlessly  encounter  every  difficulty  on  the 
road."  "  It  is  full  of  perils,"  replied  Kurugsar,  and  endeavored 
to  dissuade  him  from  the  enterprise.  "  But  with  the  blessing 
of  God,"  rejoined  Isfendiyar,  "  it  will  be  easy."  The  prince 
then  ordered  a  sumptuous  banquet  to  be  served,  at  which  he 
gave  Kurugsar  abundant  draughts  of  wine,  and  even  in  a  state 
of  intoxication  the  demon-guide  still  warned  him  against  his 
proposed  journey.  "  Go  by  the  route  which  takes  two  months," 
said  he,  "  for  that  will  be  convenient  and  safe ;  "  but  Isfendiyar 
replied : — "  I  neither  fear  the  difficulties  of  the  route,  nor  the 
perils  thou  hast  described." 

And  though  destruction  spoke  in  every  word, 

Enough  to  terrify  the  stoutest  heart, 

Still  he  adhered  to  what  he  first  resolved. 

"  Thou  wilt  attend  me,"  said  the  dauntless  prince; 

And  thus  Kurugsar,  without  a  pause,  replied: 

"  Undoubtedly,  if  by  the  two  months'  way, 

And  do  thee  ample  service;  but  if  this 

Heft-khan  be  thy  election;  if  thy  choice 

Be  fixed  on  that  which  leads  to  certain  death, 

My  presence  must  be  useless.     Can  I  go 

Where  bird  has  never  dared  to  wing  its  flight?  " 

Isfendiyar,  upon  hearing  these  words,  began  to  suspect  the 
fidelity  of  Kurugsar,  and  thought  it  safe  to  bind  him  in  chains. 
The  next  day  as  he  was  going  to  take  leave  of  his  father. 
Kurugsar  called  out  to  him,  and  said :  "After  my  promises  of 
allegiance,  and  my  solemn  oath,  why  am  I  thus  kept  in  chains  ?  " 
"  Not  out  of  anger  assuredly ;  but  out  of  compassion  and  kind- 
ness, in  order  that  I  may  take  thee  along  with  me  on  the  enter- 
prise of  the  Heft-khan;  for  wert  thou  not  bound,  thy  faint 
heart  might  induce  thee  to  run  away. 

Safe  thou  art  when  bound  in  chains. 

Fettered  foot  can  never  fly. 
Whilst  thy  body  here  remains, 

We  may  on  thy  faith  rely. 
Terror  will  in  vain  assail  thee; 
For  these  bonds  shall  never  fail  thee. 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  275 

Guarded  by  a  potent  charm, 

They  will  keep  thee  free  from  harm." 

Isfendiyar  having  received  the  parting1  benediction  of  Gush- 
tasp,  was  supplied  with  a  force  consisting  of  twelve  thousand 
chosen  horsemen,  and  abundance  of  treasure,  to  enable  him  to 
proceed  on  his  enterprise,  and  conquer  the  kingdom  of  Arjasp. 

First  Stage. — Isfendiyar  placed  Kurugsar  in  bonds  among 
his  retinue,  and  took  with  him  his  brother  Bashutan.  But  the 
demon-guide  complained  that  he  was  unable  to  walk,  and  in 
consequence  he  was  mounted  on  a  horse,  still  bound,  and  the 
bridle  given  into  the  hands  of  one  of  the  warriors.  In  this 
manner  they  proceeded,  directed  from  time  to  time  by  Kurug- 
sar, till  they  arrived  at  the  uttermost  limits  of  the  kingdom,  and 
entered  a  desert  wilderness.  Isfendiyar'  now  asked  what  they 
would  meet  with,  and  the  guide  answered,  "  Two  monstrous 
wolves  are  in  this  quarter,  as  large  as  elephants,  and  whose 
teeth  are  of  immense  length."  The  prince  told  his  people,  that 
as  soon  as  they  saw  the  wolves,  they  must  at  once  attack  them 
with  arrows.  The  day  passed  away,  and  in  the  evening  they 
came  to  a  forest  and  a  murmuring  stream,  when  suddenly  the 
two  enormous  wolves  appeared,  and  rushed  towards  the  legions 
of  Isfendiyar.  The  people  seeing  them  advance,  poured  upon 
them  a  shower  of  arrows.  Several,  however,  were  wounded, 
but  the  wolves  were  much  exhausted  by  the  arrows  which 
had  penetrated  their  bodies.  At  this  moment  Bashutan  at- 
tacked one  of  them,  and  Isfendiyar  the  other ;  and  so  vigorous 
was  their  charge,  that  both  the  monsters  were  soon  laid  lifeless 
in  the  dust.  After  this  signal  overthrow,  Isfendiyar  turned  to 
Kurugsar,  and  exclaimed :  "  Thus,  through  the  favor  of 
Heaven,  the  first  obstacle  has  been  easily  extinguished !  "  The 
guide  regarded  him  with  amazement,  and  said : — "  I  am  indeed 
astonished  at  the  intrepidity  and  valor  that  has  been  displayed." 

Seeing  the  bravery  of  Isfendiyar, 
Amazement  filled  the  soul  of  Kurugsar. 

The  warriors  and  the  party  now  dismounted,  and  regaled 
themselves  with  feasting  and  wine.  They  then  reposed  till  the 
following  morning. 

Second  Stage. — Proceeding  on  the  second  journey,  Isfen- 
diyar inquired  what  might  now  be  expected  to  oppose  their 


276  FIRDUSI 

progress,  and  Kurugsar  replied :  "  This  stage  is  infested  by 
lions."  "  Then,"  rejoined  Isfendiyar,  "  thou  shalt  see  with 
what  facility  I  can  destroy  them."  At  about  the  close  of  the 
day  they  met  with  a  lion  and  a  lioness.  Bashutan  said: 
"  Take  one  and  I  will  engage  the  other."  But  Isfendiyar  ob- 
served, that  the  animals  seemed  very  wild  and  ferocious,  and 
he  preferred  attacking  them  both  himself,  that  his  brother 
might  not  be  exposed  to  any  harm.  He  first  sallied  forth 
against  the  lion,  and  with  one  mighty  stroke  put  an  end  to  his 
life.  He  then  approached  the  lioness,  which  pounced  upon  him 
with  great  fury,  but  was  soon  compelled  to  desist,  and  the 
prince,  rapidly  wielding  his  sword,  in  a  moment  cut  off  her 
head.  Having  thus  successfully  accomplished  the  second  day's 
task,  he  alighted  from  his  horse,  and  refreshments  being  spread 
out,  the  warriors  and  the  troops  enjoyed  themselves  with  great 
satisfaction,  exhilarated  by  plenteous  draughts  of  ruby  wine. 
Again  Isfendiyar  addressed  Kurugsar,  and  said :  "  Thou  seest 
with  what  facility  all  opposition  is  removed,  when  I  am  assisted 
by  the  favor  of  Heaven ! "  "  But  there  are  other  and  more 
terrible  difficulties  to  surmount,  and  amazing  as  thy  achieve- 
ments certainly  have  been,  thou  wilt  have  still  greater  exertions 
to  make  before  thy  enterprise  is  complete."  "  What  is  the  next 
evil  I  have  to  subdue?  "  "  An  enormous  dragon, 

With  power  to  fascinate,  and  from  the  deep 
To  lure  the  finny  tribe,  his  daily  food. 
Fire  sparkles  round  him;  his  stupendous  bulk 
Looks  like  a  mountain.    When  incensed,  his  roar 
Makes  the  surrounding  country  shake  with  fear. 
White  poison-foam  drops  from  his  hideous  jaws, 
Which  yawning  wide,  display  a  dismal  gulf, 
The  grave  of  many  a  hapless  being,  lost 
Wandering  amidst  that  trackless  wilderness." 

Kurugsar  described  or  magnified  the  ferocity  of  the  animal 
in  such  a  way,  that  Isfendiyar  thought  it  necessary  to  be 
cautious,  and  with  that  view  he  ordered  a  curious  apparatus  to 
be  constructed  on  wheels,  something  like  a  carriage,  to  which 
he  fastened  a  large  quantity  of  pointed  instruments,  and  har- 
nessed horses  to  it  to  drag  it  on  the  road.  He  then  tried  its 
motion,  and  found  it  admirably  calculated  for  his  purpose. 
The  people  were  astonished  at  the  ingenuity  of  the  invention, 
and  lauded  him  to  the  skies. 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  277 

Third  Stage. — Away  went  the  prince,  and  having  travelled 
a  considerable  distance,  Kurugsar  suddenly  exclaimed :  "  I 
now  begin  to  smell  the  stench  of  the  dragon."  Hearing  this, 
Isfendiyar  dismounted,  ascended  the  machine,  and  shutting  the 
door  fast,  took  his  seat  and  drove  off.  Bashutan  and  all  the 
warriors  upon  witnessing  this  extraordinary  act,  began  to  weep 
and  lament,  thinking  that  he  was  hurrying  himself  to  certain 
destruction,  and  begged  that  for  his  own  sake,  as  well  as  theirs, 
he  would  come  out  of  the  machine.  But  he  replied :  "  Peace, 
peace !  what  know  ye  of  the  matter ;  "  and  as  the  warlike  appa- 
ratus was  so  excellently  contrived,  that  he  could  direct  the 
movements  of  the  horses  himself,  he  drove  on  with  increased 
velocity,  till  he  arrived  in  the  vicinity  of  the  monster. 

The  dragon  from  a  distance  heard 

The  rumbling  of  the  wain, 
And  snuffing  every  breeze  that  stirred 

Across  the  neighbouring  plain, 

Smelt  something  human  in  his  power, 

A  welcome  scent  to  him; 
For  he  was  eager  to  devour 

Hot  reeking  blood,  or  limb. 

And  darkness  now  is  spread  around, 

No  pathway  can  be  traced; 
The  fiery  horses  plunge  and  bound 

Amid  the  dismal  waste. 

And  now  the  dragon  stretches  far 

His  cavern  throat,  and  soon 
Licks  in  the  horses  and  the  car, 

And  tries  to  gulp  them  down. 

But  sword  and  javelin,  sharp  and  keen, 

Wound  deep  each  sinewy  jaw; 
Midway,  remains  the  huge  machine, 

And  chokes  the  monster's  maw. 

In  agony  he  breathes,  a  dire 

Convulsion  fires  his  blood, 
And  struggling,  ready  to  expire, 

Ejects  a  poison-flood! 

And  then  disgorges  wain  and  steeds, 

And  swords  and  javelins  bright; 
Then,  as  the  dreadful  dragon  bleeds, 

Up  starts  the  warrior-knight, 


278  FIRDUSI 

And  from  his  place  of  ambush  leaps, 

And,  brandishing  his  blade, 
The  weapon  in  the  brain  he  steeps, 

And  splits  the  monster's  head. 

But  the  foul  venom  issuing  thence, 

Is  so  o'erpowering  found, 
Isfendiyar,  deprived  of  sense, 

Falls  staggering  to  the  ground! 

Upon  seeing  this  result,  and  his  brother  in  so  deplorable  a 
situation,  Bashutan  and  the  troops  also  were  in  great  alarm, 
apprehending  the  most  fatal  consequences.  They  sprinkled 
rose-water  over  his  face,  and  administered  other  remedies,  so 
that  after  some  time  he  recovered;  then  he  bathed,  purifying 
himself  from  the  filth  of  the  monster,  and  poured  out  prayers 
of  thankfulness  to  the  merciful  Creator  for  the  protection  and 
victory  he  had  given  him.  But  it  was  matter  of  great  grief  to 
Kurugsar  that  Isfendiyar  had  succeeded  in  his  exploit,  because 
under  present  circumstances,  he  would  have  to  follow  him  in 
the  remaining  arduous  enterprises ;  whereas,  if  the  prince  had 
been  slain,  his  obligations  would  have  ceased  forever. 

"  What  may  be  expected  to-morrow  ?  "  inquired  Isfendiyar. 
"  To-morrow,"  replied  the  demon-guide,  "  thou  wilt  meet  with 
an  enchantress,  who  can  convert  the  stormy  sea  into  dry  land, 
and  the  dry  land  again  into  the  ocean.  She  is  attended  by  a 
gigantic  ghoul,  or  apparition."  "  Then  thou  shalt  see  how 
easily  this  enchantress  and  her  mysterious  attendant  can  be 
vanquished." 

Fourth  Stage. — On  the  fourth  day  Isfendiyar  and  his  com- 
panions proceeded  on  the  destined  journey,  and  coming  to  a 
pleasant  meadow,  watered  by  a  transparent  rivulet,  the  party 
alighted,  and  they  all  refreshed  themselves  heartily  with  various 
kinds  of  food  and  wine.  In  a  short  space  of  time  the  enchant- 
ress appeared,  most  beautiful  in  feature  and  elegant  in  attire, 
and  approaching  our  hero  with  a  sad  but  fascinating  expression 
of  countenance,  said  to  him  (the  ghoul,  her  pretended  para- 
mour, being  at  a  little  distance)  : — 

"  I  am  a  poor  unhappy  thing, 
The  daughter  of  a  distant  king. 
This  monster  with  deceit  and  fraud, 
By  a  fond  parent's  power  unawed, 


THE  SHAH   NAMEH  279 

Seduced  me  from  my  royal  home, 
Through  wood  and  desert  wild  to  roam; 
And  surely  Heaven  has  brought  thee  now 
To  cheer  my  heart,  and  smooth  my  brow, 
And  free  me  from  his  loathed  embrace, 
And  bear  me  to  a  fitter  place, 
Where,  in  thy  circling  arms  more  softly  prest, 
I  may  at  last  be  truly  loved,  and  blest." 

Isfendiyar  immediately  called  her  to  him,  and  requested  her 
to  sit  down.  The  enchantress  readily  complied,  anticipating  a 
successful  issue  to  her  artful  stratagems;  but  the  intended 
victim  of  her  sorcery  was  too  cunnig  to  be  imposed  upon. 
He  soon  perceived  what  she  was,  and  forthwith  cast  his 
kamund  over  her,  and  in  spite  of  all  her  entreaties,  bound  her 
too  fast  to  escape.  In  this  extremity,  she  successively  assumed 
the  shape  of  a  cat,  a  wolf,  and  a  decrepit  old  man:  and  so 
perfect  were  her  transformations,  that  any  other  person  would 
have  been  deceived,  but  Isfendiyar  detected  her  in  every  variety 
of  appearance ;  and,  vexed  by  her  continual  attempts  to  cheat 
him,  at  last  took  out  his  sword  and  cut  her  in  pieces.  As  soon 
as  this  was  done,  a  thick  dark  cloud  of  dust  and  vapor  arose, 
and  when  it  subsided,  a  black  apparition  of  a  demon  burst  upon 
his  sight,  with  flames  issuing  from  its  mouth.  Determined  to 
destroy  this  fresh  antagonist,  he  rushed  forward,  sword  in  hand, 
and  though  the  flames,  in  the  attack,  burnt  his  cloth-armor 
and  dress,  he  succeeded  in  cutting  off  the  threatening  monster's 
head.  "  Now,"  said  he  to  Kurugsar,  "  thou  hast  seen  that  with 
the  favor  of  Heaven,  both  enchantress  and  ghoul  are  extermi- 
nated, as  well  as  the  wolves,  the  lions,  and  the  dragon."  "  Very 
well,"  replied  Kurugsar,  "  thou  hast  achieved  this  prodigious 
labor,  but  to-morrow  will  be  a  heavy  day,  and  thou  canst  hardly 
escape  with  life.  To-morrow  thou  wilt  be  opposed  by  the 
Simurgh,  whose  nest  is  situated  upon  a  lofty  mountain.  She 
has  two  young  ones,  each  the  size  of  an  elephant,  which  she 
conveys  in  her  beak  and  claws  from  place  to  place."  "  Be  under 
no  alarm,"  said  Isfendiyar,  "  God  will  make  the  labor  easy." 

Fifth  Stage. — On  the  fifth  day,  Isfendiyar  resumed  his 
journey,  travelling  with  his  little  army  over  desert,  plain, 
mountain,  and  wilderness,  until  he  reached  the  neighborhood 
of  the  Simurgh.  He  then  adopted  the  same  stratagem  which 
he  had  employed  before,  and  the  machine  supplied  with  swords 
and  spears,  and  drawn  by  horses,  was  soon  in  readiness  for  the 


28o  FIRDUSI 

new  adventure.  The  Simurgh,  seeing  with  surprise  an  immense 
vehicle,  drawn  by  two  horses,  approach  at  a  furious  rate,  and 
followed  by  a  large  company  of  horsemen,  descended  from  the 
mountain,  and  endeavored  to  take  up  the  whole  apparatus  in 
her  claws  to  carry  it  away  to  her  own  nest ;  but  her  claws  were 
lacerated  by  the  sharp  weapons,  and  she  was  then  obliged  to 
try  her  beak.  Both  beak  and  claws  were  injured  in  the  effort, 
and  the  animal  became  extremely  weakened  by  the  loss  of 
blood.  Isfendiyar  seizing  the  happy  moment,  sprang  out  of 
the  carriage,  and  with  his  trenchant  sword  divided  the  Simurgh 
in  two  parts ;  and  the  young  ones,  after  witnessing  the  death 
of  their  parent,  precipitately  fled  from  the  fatal  scene.  When 
Bashiitan,  with  the  army,  came  to  the  spot,  they  were  amazed 
at 'the  prodigious  size  of  the  Simurgh,  and  the  valor  by  which 
it  had  been  subdued.  Kurugsar  turned  pale  with  astonishment 
and  sorrow.  "  What  will  be  our  next  adventure  ?  "  said  Isfen- 
diyar to  him.  "  To-morrow  more  pressing  ills  will  surround 
thee.  Heavy  snow  will  fall,  and  there  will  be  a  violent  tempest 
of  wind,  and  it  will  be  wonderful  if  even  one  man  of  thy  legions 
remains  alive.  That  will  not  be  like  fighting  against  lions,  a 
dragon,  or  the  Simurgh,  but  against  the  elements,  against  the 
Almighty,  which  never  can  be  successful.  Thou  hadst  better 
therefore,  return  unhurt."  The  people  on  hearing  this  warning 
were  alarmed,  and  proposed  to  go  back ;  "  for  if  the  advice  of 
Kurugsar  is  not  taken,  we  shall  all  perish  like  the  companions 
of  Kai-khosrau,  and  lie  buried  under  drifts  of  snow. 

"  Let  us  return  then,  whilst  we  may; 
Why  should  we  throw  our  lives  away?  " 

But  Isfendiyar  replied  that  he  had  already  overcome  five  of 
the  perils  of  the  road,  and  had  no  fear  about  the  remaining 
two.  The  people,  however,  were  still  discontented,  and  still 
murmured  aloud ;  upon  which  the  prince  said,  "  Return  then, 
and  I  will  go  alone. 

I  never  can  require  the  aid 
Of  men  so  easily  dismayed." 

Finding  their  leader  immovable,  the  people  now  changed 
their  tone,  and  expressed  their  devotion  to  his  cause ;  declaring 
that  whilst  life  remained,  they  would  never  forsake  him,  no 
never. 


THE  SHAH  NA'MEH  28 1 

Sixth  Stage. — On  the  following  morning,  the  sixth,  Isfen- 
diyar continued  his  labors,  and  hurried  on  with  great  speed. 
Towards  evening  he  arrived  on  the  skirts  of  a  mountain,  where 
there  was  a  running  stream,  and  upon  that  spot,  he  pitched  his 
tents. 

Presently  from  the  mountain  there  rushed  down 

A  furious  storm  of  wind,  then  heavy  showers 

Of  snow  fell,  covering  all  the  earth  with  whiteness, 

And  making  desolate  the  prospect  round. 

Keen  blew  the  blast,  and  pinching  was  the  cold; 

And  to  escape  the  elemental  wrath, 

Leader  and  soldier,  in  the  caverned  rock 

Scooped  out  by  mouldering  time,  took  shelter,  there 

Continuing  three  long  days.    Three  lingering  days 

Still  fell  the  snow,  and  still  the  tempest  raged, 

And  man  and  beast  grew  faint  for  want  of  food. 

Isfendiyar  and  his  warriors,  with  heads  exposed,  now  pros- 
trated themselves  in  solemn  prayer  to  the  Almighty,  and 
implored  his  favor  and  protection  from  the  calamity  which 
had  befallen  them.  Happily  their  prayers  were  heard,  Heaven 
was  compassionate,  and  in  a  short  space  the  snow  and  the 
mighty  wind  entirely  ceased.  By  this  fortunate  interference 
of  Providence,  the  army  was  enabled  to  quit  the  caves  of  the 
mountain ;  and  then  Isfendiyar  again  addressed  Kurugsar 
triumphantly :  "  Thus  the  sixth  labor  is  accomplished.  What 
have  we  now  to  fear  ?  "  The  demon-guide  answered  him  and 
said :  "  From  hence  to  the  Brazen  Fortress  it  is  forty  farsangs. 
That  fortress  is  the  residence  of  Arjasp ;  but  the  road  is  full  of 
peril.  For  three  farsangs  the  sand  on  the  ground  is  as  hot  as 
fire,  and  there  is  no  water  to  be  found  during  the  whole  jour- 
ney." This  information  made  a  serious  impression  upon  the 
mind  of  Isfendiyar ;  who  said  to  him  sternly :  "  If  I  find  thee 
guilty  of  falsehood,  I  will  assuredly  put  thee  to  death."  Kurug- 
sar replied :  "  What !  after  six  trials  ?  Thou  hast  no  reason  to 
question  my  veracity.  I  shall  never  depart  from  the  truth,  and 
my  advice  is,  that  thou  hadst  better  return ;  for  the  seventh  stage 
is  not  to  be  ventured  upon  by  human  strength. 

Along  those  plains  of  burning  sand 

No  bird  can  move,  nor  ant,  nor  fly; 
No  water  slakes  the  fiery  land, 

Intensely  glows  the  flaming  sky. 


282  FIRDUSI 

No  tiger  fierce,  nor  lion  ever 

Could  breathe  that  pestilential  air; 
Even  the  unsparing  vulture  never 

Ventures  on  blood-stained  pinions  there. 

At  the  distance  of  three  farsangs  beyond  this  inaccessible  belt 
of  scorching  country  lies  the  Brazen  Fortress,  to  which  there 
is  no  visible  path;  and  if  an  army  of  a  hundred  thousand 
strong  were  to  attempt  its  reduction,  there  would  not  be  the 
least  chance  of  success." 

Seventh  Stage. — When  Isfendiyar  heard  these  things, 
enough  to  alarm  the  bravest  heart,  he  turned  towards  his 
people  to  ascertain  their  determination;  when  they  unani- 
mously repeated  their  readiness  to  sacrifice  their  lives  in  his 
service,  and  to  follow  wherever  he  might  be  disposed  to  lead 
the  way.  He  then  put  Kurugsar  in  chains  again,  and  prose- 
cuted his  journey,  until  he  reached  the  place  said  to  be  covered 
with  burning  sand.  Arrived  on  the  spot,  he  observed  to  the 
demon-guide :  "  Thou  hast  described  the  sand  as  hot,  but  it  is 
not  so."  "  True ;  and  it  is  on  account  of  the  heavy  showers 
of  snow  that  have  fallen  and  cooled  the  ground,  a  proof  that 
thou  art  under  the  protection  of  the  Almighty."  Isfendiyar 
smiled,  and  said :  "  Thou  art  all  insincerity  and  deception,  thus 
to  play  upon  my  feelings  with  false  or  imaginary  terrors." 
Saying  this  he  urged  his  soldiers  to  pass  rapidly  on,  so  as  to 
leave  the  sand  behind  them,  and  they  presently  came  to  a  great 
river.  Isfendiyar  was  now  angry  with  Kurugsar,  and  said: 
"  Thou  hast  declared  that  for  the  space  of  forty  farsangs  there 
was  no  water,  every  drop  being  everywhere  dried  up  by  the 
burning  heat  of  the  sun,  and  here  we  find  water !  Why  didst 
thou  also  idly  fill  the  minds  of  my  soldiers  with  groundless 
fears?"  Kurugsar  replied:  "  I  will  confess  the  truth.  Did  I 
not  swear  a  solemn  oath  to  be  faithful,  and  yet  I  was  still 
doubted,  and  still  confined  in  irons,  though  the  experience  of 
six  days  of  trial  had  proved  the  correctness  of  my  information 
and  advice.  For  this  reason  I  was  disappointed  and  dis- 
pleased ;  and  I  must  confess  that  I  did,  therefore,  exaggerate 
the  dangers  of  the  last  day,  in  the  hope  too  of  inducing  thee  to 
return  and  release  me  from  my  bonds." 

For  what  have  I  received  from  thee, 
But  scorn,  and  chains,  and  slavery." 


THE  SHAH  NA"MEH  283 

Isfendiyar  now  struck  off  the  irons  from  the  hands  and  feet 
of  his  demon-guide  and  treated  him  with  favor  and  kindness, 
repeating  to  him  his  promise  to  reward  him  at  the  close  of  his 
victorious  career  with  the  government  of  a  kingdom.  Kurugsar 
was  grateful  for  this  change  of  conduct  to  him,  and  again 
acknowledging  the  deception  he  had  been  guilty  of,  hoped  for 
pardon,  engaging  at  the  same  time  to  take  the  party  in  safety 
across  the  great  river  which  had  impeded  their  progress.  This 
was  accordingly  done,  and  the  Brazen  Fortress  was  now  at  no 
great  distance.  At  the  close  of  the  day  they  were  only  one 
farsang  from  the  towers,  but  Isfendiyar  preferred  resting  till 
the  next  morning.  "  What  is  thy  counsel  now  ?  "  said  he  to 
his  guide.  "  What  sort  of  a  fortress  is  this  which  fame  describes 
in  such  dreadful  colors  ?  "  "  It  is  stronger  than  imagination 
can  conceive,  and  impregnable." — "  Then  how  shall  I  get  to 
Arjasp  ? 

How  shall  I  cleave  the  oppressor's  form  asunder, 

The  murderer  of  my  grandsire,  Lohurasp? 

The  bravest  heroes  of  Turin  shall  fall 

Under  my  conquering  sword;  their  wives  and  children 

Led  captive  to  Iran;  and  desolation 

Scathe  the  whole  realm  beneath  the  tyrant's  sway." 

But  these  words  only  roused  and  exasperated  the  feelings  of 
Kurugsar,  who  bitterly  replied : — 

"  Then  may  calamity  be  thy  reward, 
Thy  stars  malignant,  and  thy  life  all  sorrow; 
And  may'st  thou  perish,  weltering  in  thy  blood, 
And  the  bare  desert  be  thy  lonely  grave 
For  that  inhuman  thought,  that  cruel  menace." 

Isfendiyar,  upon  hearing  this  unexpected  language,  became 
furious  with  indignation,  and  instantly  punished  the  offender 
on  the  spot;  with  one  stroke  of  his  sword  he  cleft  Kurugsar 
in  twain. 

When  the  clouds  of  night  had  darkened  the  sky,  Isfendiyar, 
with  a  number  of  his  warriors,  proceeded  towards  the  Brazen 
Fortress,  and  secretly  explored  it  on  every  side.  He  found  it 
constructed  entirely  of  iron  and  brass ;  and,  notwithstanding  a 
strict  examination  at  every  point,  discovered  no  accessible  part 
for  attack.  It  was  three  farsangs  high,  and  forty  wide;  and 
such  a  place  as  was  never  before  beheld  by  man. 


284  FIRDUSI 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  BRAZEN  FORTRESS 

ISFENDIYAR  returned  from  reconnoitring  the  fortress  with 
acute  feelings  of  sorrow  and  despair.  He  was  at  last  con- 
vinced that  Kurugsar  had  spoken  the  truth;  for  there 
seemed  to  be  no  chance  whatever  of  taking  the  place  by  any 
stratagem  he  could  invent.  Revolving  the  enterprise  seriously 
in  his  mind,  he  now  began  to  repent  of  his  folly,  and  the  over- 
weening confidence  which  had  led  him  to  undertake  the  jour- 
ney. Returning  thus  to  his  tent  in  a  melancholy  mood,  he  saw 
a  Fakir  sitting  down  on  the  road,  and  him  he  anxiously  ac- 
costed. "  What  may  be  the  number  of  the  garrison  in  this 
fort  ?  "  "  There  are  a  hundred  thousand  veteran  warriors  in 
the  service  of  Arjasp  in  the  fort,  with  abundance  of  supplies  of 
every  kind,  and  streams  of  pure  water,  so  that  nothing  is 
wanted  to  foil  an  enemy."  This  was  very  unwelcome  intelli- 
gence to  Isfendiyar,  who  now  assembled  his  officers  to  con- 
sider what  was  best  to  be  done.  They  all  agreed  that  the  reduc- 
tion of  the  fortress  was  utterly  impracticable,  and  that  the  safest 
course  for  him  would  be  to  return.  But  he  could  not  bring 
himself  to  acquiesce  in  this  measure,  saying :  "  God  is  al- 
mighty, and  beneficent,  and  with  him  is  the  victory."  He  then 
reflected  deeply  and  long,  and  finally  determined  upon  entering 
the  fort  disguised  as  a  merchant.  Having  first  settled  the  mode 
of  proceeding,  he  put  Bashutan  in  temporary  charge  of  the 
army,  saying : — 

"  This  Brazen  Fortress  scorns  all  feats  of  arms, 
Nor  sword  nor  spear,  nor  battle-axe,  can  here 
Be  wielded  to  advantage;  stratagem 
Must  be  employed,  or  we  shall  never  gain 
Possession  of  its  wide-extended  walls, 
Placing  my  confidence  in  God  alone 
I  go  with  rich  and  curious  wares  for  sale, 
To  take  the  credulous  people  by  surprise, 
Under  the  semblance  of  a  peaceful  merchant." 

Isfendiyar  then  directed  a  hundred  dromedaries  to  be  col- 
lected, and  when  they  were  brought  to  him  he  disposed  of  them 
in  the  following  manner.  He  loaded  ten  with  embroidered 
cloths,  five  with  rubies  and  sapphires,  and  five  more  with  pearls 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  285 

and  other  precious  jewels.  Upon  each  of  the  remaining  eighty 
he  placed  two  chests,  and  in  each  chest  a  warrior  was  secreted, 
making  in  all  one  hundred  and  sixty ;  and  one  hundred  more 
were  disposed  as  camel-drivers  and  servants.  Thus  the  whole 
force,  consisting  of  a  hundred  dromedaries  and  two  hundred 
and  sixty  warriors,  set  off  towards  the  Brazen  Fortress,  Isfen- 
diyar having  first  intimated  to  his  brother  Bashutan  to  march 
with  his  army  direct  to  the  gates  of  the  fort,  as  soon  as  he  saw  a 
column  of  flame  and  smoke  ascend  from  the  interior.  On  the 
way  they  gave  out  that  they  were  merchants  come  with  valuable 
goods  from  Persia,  and  hoped  for  custom.  The  tidings  of 
travellers  having  arrived  with  rubies  and  gold-embroidered 
garments  for  sale,  soon  reached  the  ears  of  Arjasp,  the  king, 
who  immediately  gave  them  permission  to  enter  the  fort. 
When  Isfendiyar,  the  reputed  master  of  the  caravan,  had  got 
within  the  walls,  he  said  that  he  had  brought  rich  presents  for 
the  king,  and  requested  to  be  introduced  to  him  in  person.  He 
was  accordingly  allowed  to  take  the  presents  himself,  was 
received  with  distinguished  attention,  and  having  stated  his 
name  to  be  Kherad,  was  invited  to  go  to  the  royal  palace, 
whenever,  and  as  often  as,  he  might  please.  At  one  of  the 
interviews  the  king  asked  him,  as  he  had  come  from  Persia,  if 
he  knew  whether  the  report  was  true  or  not  that  Kurugsar  had 
been  put  to  death,  and  what  Gushtasp  and  Isfendiyar  were 
engaged  upon.  The  hero  in  disguise  replied  that  it  was  five 
months  since  he  left  Persia ;  but  he  had  heard  on  the  road  from 
many  persons  that  Isfendiyar  intended  proceeding  by  the  way 
of  the  Heft-khan  with  a  vast  army,  towards  the  Brazen  Fortress; 
At  these  words  Arjasp  smiled  in  derision,  and  said :  "  Ah ! 
ah !  by  that  way  even  the  winged  tribe  are  afraid  to  venture ; 
and  if  Isfendiyar  had  a  thousand  lives,  he  would  lose  them  all  in 
any  attempt  to  accomplish  that  journey."  After  this  interview 
Isfendiyar  daily  continued  to  attend  to  the  sale  of  his  merchan- 
dise, and  soon  found  that  his  sisters  were  employed  in  the  de- 
grading office  of  drawing  and  carrying  water  for  the  kitchen  of 
Arjasp.  When  they  heard  that  a  caravan  had  arrived  from  Iran, 
they  went  to  Isfendiyar  (who  recognized  them  at  a  distance, 
but  hid  his  face  that  they  might  not  know  him),  to  inquire 
what  tidings  he  had  brought  about  their  father  and  brother. 
Alarmed  at  the  hazard  of  discovery,  he  replied  that  he  knew 
nothing,  and  desired  them  to  depart;  but  they  remained,  and 


286  FIRDUSI 

said :  "  On  thy  return  to  Iran,  at  least,  let  it  be  known  that 
here  we  are,  two  daughters  of  Gushtasp,  reduced  to  the  basest 
servitude,  and  neither  father  nor  brother  takes  compassion  upon 
our  distresses. 

Whilst  with  bare  head,  and  naked  feet,  we  toil, 
They  pass  their  time  in  peace  and  happiness, 
Regardless  of  the  misery  we  endure." 

Isfendiyar  again,  in  assumed  anger,  told  them  to  depart, 
saying:  "Talk  not  to  me  of  Gushtasp  and  Isfendiyar — what 
have  I  to  do  with  them  ?  "  At  that  moment  the  sound  of  his 
voice  was  recognized  by  the  elder  sister,  who,  in  a  transport  of 
joy,  instantly  communicated  her  discovery  to  the  younger ;  but 
they  kept  the  secret  till  night,  and  then  they  returned  to  com- 
mune with  their  brother.  Isfendiyar  finding  that  he  was 
known,  acknowledged  himself,  and  informed  them  that  he  had 
undertaken  to  restore  them  to  liberty,  and  that  he  was  now 
engaged  in  the  enterprise,  opposing  every  obstacle  in  his  way ; 
but  it  was  necessary  that  they  should  continue  their  usual 
labor  at  the  wells,  till  a  fitting  opportunity  occurred. 

For  the  purpose  of  accelerating  the  moment  of  release, 
Isfendiyar  represented  to  the  king  that  at  a  period  of  great 
adversity,  he  had  made  a  vow  that  he  would  give  a  splendid 
banquet  if  ever  Heaven  again  smiled  upon  him,  and  as  he  then 
was  in  the  way  to  prosperity,  and  wished  to  fulfil  his  vow,  he 
hoped  that  his  majesty  would  honor  him  with  his  presence  on 
the  occasion.  The  king  accepted  the  invitation  with  satis- 
faction, and  said :  "  To-morrow  I  will  be  thy  guest,  at  thy  own 
house,  and  with  all  my  warriors  and  soldiers."  But  this  did 
not  suit  the  scheme  of  the  pretended  merchant,  who  apologized 
on  account  of  his  house  being  too  small,  and  proposed  that  the 
feast  should  be  held  upon  the  loftiest  part  of  the  fortress,  where 
spacious  tents  and  pavilions  might  be  erected  for  the  purpose, 
and  a  large  fire  lighted  to  give  splendor  to  the  scene.  The 
king  assented,  and  every  requisite  preparation  being  made,  all 
the  royal  and  warrior  guests  assembled  in  the  morning,  and 
eagerly  partook  of  the  rich  viands  set  before  them.  They  all 
drank  wine  with  such  relish  and  delight,  that  they  soon  became 
intoxicated,  and  Kherad  seizing  the  opportunity,  ordered  the 
logs  of  wood  which  had  been  collected,  to  be  set  on  fire,  and 
rapidly  the  smoke  and  flame  sprung  up,  and  ascended  to  the 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  287 

sky.  Bashutan  saw  the  looked-for  sign,  and  hastened  with  two 
thousand  horsemen  to  the  gates  of  the  fortress,  where  he  slew 
every  one  that  he  met,  calling  himself  Isfendiyar.  Arjasp  had 
enjoyed  the  banquet  exceedingly ;  the  music  gave  him  infinite 
pleasure,  and  the  wine  had  intoxicated  him ;  but  in  the  midst 
of  his  hilarity  and  merriment,  he  was  told  that  Isfendiyar  had 
reached  the  gates,  and  entered  the  fort,  killing  immense 
numbers  of  his  people.  This  terrible  intelligence  roused  him 
and  quitting  the  festive  board  of  Kherad,  he  ordered  his  son 
Kahram,  with  fifty  thousand  horsemen,  to  repel  the  invader. 
He  also  ordered  forty  thousand  horsemen  to  protect  different 
parts  of  the  walls,  and  ten  thousand  to  remain  as  his  own 
personal  guard.  Kahram  accordingly  issued  forth  without 
delay,  and  soon  engaged  in  battle  with  the  force  under 
Bashutan. 

When  night  came,  Isfendiyar  opened  the  lids  of  the  chests, 
and  let  out  the  hundred  and  sixty  warriors,  whom  he  supplied 
with  swords  and  spears,  and  armor,  and  also  the  hundred  who 
were  disguised  as  camel-drivers  and  servants. 

With  this  bold  band  he  sped, 

Whither  Arjasp  had  fled; 

And  all  who  fought  around, 

To  keep  untouched  that  sacred  ground; 

(Resistance  weak  and  vain,) 

By  him  were  quickly  slain. 

The  sisters  of  Isfendiyar  now  arrived,  and  pointed  out  to 
him  the  chamber  of  Arjasp,  to  which  place  he  immediately 
repaired,  and  roused  up  the  king,  who  was  almost  insensible 
with  the  fumes  of  wine.  Arjasp,  however,  sprang  upon  his  feet, 

And  grappled  stoutly  with  Isfendiyar, 

And  desperate  was  the  conflict:   head  and  loins 

Alternately  received  deep  gaping  wounds 

From  sword  and  dagger.     Wearied  out  at  length, 

Arjasp  shrunk  back,  when  with  one  mighty  blow, 

Isfendiyar,  exulting  in  his  power, 

Cleft  him  asunder. 

Two  of  the  wives,  two  daughters,  and  one  sister  of  Arjasp 
fell  immediately  into  the  hands  of  the  conqueror,  who  delivered 
them  into  the  custody  of  his  son,  to  be  conveyed  home.  Ho 
then  quitted  the  palace,  and  turning  his  steps  towards  the  gates 
of  the  fortress,  slew  a  great  number  of  the  enemy. 


288  FIRDUSI 

Kahram,  in  the  meantime,  had  been  fiercely  engaged  with 
Bashutan,  and  was  extremely  reduced.  At  the  very  moment 
too  of  his  discomfiture,  he  heard  the  watchmen  call  out  aloud 
that  Arjasp  had  been  slain  by  Kherad.  Confounded  and 
alarmed  by  these  tidings,  he  approached  the  fort,  where  he 
heard  the  confirmation  of  his  misfortune  from  every  mouth, 
and  also  that  the  garrison  had  been  put  to  the  sword.  Leading 
on  the  remainder  of  his  troops  he  now  came  in  contact  with 
Isfendiyar  and  his  two  hundred  and  sixty  warriors,  and  a  sharp 
engagement  ensued ;  but  the  coming  up  of  Bashutan's  force  on 
his  rear,  placed  him  in  such  a  predicament  on  every  side,  that 
defeat  and  destruction  were  almost  inevitable.  In  short, 
Kahram  was  left  with  only  a  few  of  his  soldiers  near  him,  when 
Isfendiyar,  observing  his  situation,  challenged  him  to  personal 
combat,  and  the  challenge  was  accepted. 

So  closely  did  the  eager  warriors  close, 

They  seemed  together  joined,  and  but  one  man. 

At  last  Isfendiyar  seized  Kahram's  girth, 

And  flung  him  to  the  ground,  and  bound  his  hands; 

And  as  a  leaf  is  severed  from  its  stalk, 

So  he  the  head  cleft  from  its  quivering  trunk; 

Thus  one  blow  wins,  and  takes  away  a  throne, 

In  battle  heads  are  trodden  under  hoofs, 

Crowns  under  heads. 

After  the  death  of  Kahram,  Isfendiyar  issued  a  proclamation, 
offering  full  pardon  to  all  who  would  unite  under  his  banners. 
They  had  no  king. 

The  country  had  no  throne,, no  crown.    Alas! 

What  is  the  world  without  a  governor,    • 

What,  but  a  headless  trunk?    A  thing  more  worthless 

Than  the  vile  dust  upon  the  common  road. 

What  could  the  people  do  in  their  despair? 

They  were  obedient,  and  Isfendiyar 

Encouraged  them  with  kind  and  gentle  words, 

Fitting  a  generous  and  a  prudent  master. 

Having  first  written  to  his  father  an  account  of  the  great 
victory  which  he  had  gained,  he  occupied  himself  in  reducing 
all  the  surrounding  provinces  and  their  inhabitants  to  subjec- 
tion. Those  people  who  continued  hostile  to  him  he  deemed 
it  necessary  to  put  to  death.  He  took  all  the  women  of  Arjasp 


THE  SHA*H   NXMEH  289 

into  his  own  service,  and  their  daughters  he  presented  to  his 
own  sons. 

Not  a  warrior  of  Chin  remained; 

The  king  of  Turan  was  swept  away; 
And  the  realm  where  in  pomp  he  had  reigned, 

Where  he  basked  in  prosperity's  ray, 
Was  spoiled  by  the  conqueror's  brand, 

Desolation  marked  every  scene, 
And  a  stranger  now  governed  the  mountainous  land, 

Where  the  splendour  of  Poshang  had  been. 
Not  a  dirhem  of  treasure  was  left; 

For  nothing  eluded  the  conqueror's  grasp; 
Of  all  was  the  royal  pavilion  bereft; 

All  followed  the  fate  of  Arjasp! 

When  Gushtasp  received  information  of  this  mighty  con- 
quest, he  sent  orders  to  Isfendiyar  to  continue  in  the  govern- 
ment of  the  new  empire ;  but  the  prince  replied  that  he  had  set- 
tled the  country,  and  was  anxious  to  see  his  father.  This  request 
being  permitted,  he  was  desired  to  bring  away  all  the  immense . 
booty,  and  return  by  the  road  of  the  Heft-khan.  Arriving  at  the 
place  where  he  was  overtaken  by  the  dreadful  winter-storm,  he 
again  found  all  the  property  he  had  lost  under  the  drifts  of 
snow;  and  when  he  had  accomplished  his  journey,  he  was 
received  with  the  warmest  welcome  and  congratulations,  on 
account  of  his  extraordinary  successes.  A  royal  feast  was 
prepared,  and  the  king  filled  his  son's  goblet  with  wine  so  re- 
peatedly, and  drank  himself  so  frequently,  and  with  such  zest, 
that  both  of  them  at  length  became  intoxicated.  Gushtasp  then 
asked  Isfendiyar  to  describe  to  him  the  particulars  of  his 
expedition  by  the  road  of  the  Heft-khan ;  for  though  he  had 
heard  the  story  from  others,  he  wished  to  have  it  from  his  own 
mouth.  But  Isfendiyar  replied :  "  We  have  both  drank  too 
much  wine,  and  nothing  good  can  proceed  from  a  drunken 
man ;  I  will  recite  my  adventures  to-morrow,  when  my  head  is 
clear."  The  next  day  Gushtasp,  seated  upon  his  throne,  and 
Isfendiyar  placed  before  him  on  a  golden  chair,  again  asked  for 
the  prince's  description  of  his  triumphant  progress  by  the  Heft- 
khan,  and  according  to  his  wish  every  incident  that  merited 
notice  was  faithfully  detailed  to  him.  The  king  expressed  great 
pleasure  at  the  conclusion ;  but  envy  and  suspicion  lurked  in 
his  breast,  and  writhing  internally  like  a  serpent,  he  still  de- 
VOL.  I. — 19 


290  FIRDUSI 

layed  fulfilling  his  promise  to  invest   Isfendiyar,  upon  the 
overthrow  of  Arjasp,  with  the  sovereignty  of  Iran. 

The  prince  could  not  fail  to  observe  the  changed  disposition 
of  his  father,  and  privately  went  to  Kitabun,  his  mother,  to 
whom  he  related  the  solemn  promise  and  engagement  of  Gush- 
tasp,  and  requested  her  to  go  to  him,  and  say :  "  Thou  hast 
given  thy  royal  word  to  Isfendiyar,  that  when  he  had  conquered 
and  slain  Arjasp,  and  restored  his  own  sisters  to  liberty,  thou 
wouldst  place  upon  his  head  the  crown  of  Iran ;  faith  and  honor 
are  indispensable  in  princes,  they  are  inculcated  by  religion,  and 
yet  thou  hast  failed  to  make  good  thy  word."  But  the  mother 
had  more  prudence,  and  said :  "  Let  me  give  thee  timely  coun- 
sel, and  breathe  not  a  syllable  to  any  one  on  the  subject.  God 
forbid  that  thou  shouldst  again  be  thrown  into  prison,  and  con- 
fined in  chains.  Recollect  thine  is  the  succession ;  the  army  is 
in  thy  favor ;  thy  father  is  old  and  infirm.  Have  a  little  patience 
and  in  the  end  thou  wilt  undoubtedly  be  the  King  of  Persia. 

The  gold  and  jewels,  the  imperial  sway, 
The  crown,  the  throne,  the  army,  all  he  owns, 
Will  presently  be  thine;  then  wait  in  patience, 
And  reign,  in  time,  the  monarch  of  the  world." 

Isfendiyar,  however,  was  not  contented  with  his  mother's 
counsel,  and  suspecting  that  she  would  communicate  to  the 
king  what  he  had  said,  he  one  day,  as  if  under  the  influence  of 
wine,  thus  addressed  his  father :  "  In  what  way  have  I  failed 
to  accomplish  thy  wishes  ?  Have  I  not  performed  such  actions 
as  never  were  heard  of,  and  never  will  be  performed  again,  in 
furtherance  of  thy  glory?  I  have  overthrown  thy  greatest 
enemy,  and  supported  thy  honor  with .  ceaseless  toil  and 
exertion.  Is  it  not  then  incumbent  on  thee  to  fulfil  thy  prom- 
ise ?  "  Gushtasp  replied :  "  Do  not  be  impatient — the  throne 
is  thine ; "  but  he  was  deeply  irritated  at  heart  on  being  thus 
reproached  by  his  own  son.  When  he  retired  he  consulted  with 
Jamasp,  and  was  anxious  to  know  what  the  stars  foretold.  The 
answer  was :  "  He  is  of  exalted  fortune,  of  high  destiny ;  he  will 
overcome  all  his  enemies,  and  finally  obtain  the  sovereignty  of 
the  heft-aklim,  or  seven  climes."  This  favorable  prophecy  ag- 
gravated the  spleen  of  the  father  against  the  son,  and  he  in- 
quired with  bitter  and  unnatural  curiosity :  "  What  will  be  his 
death  ?  Look  to  that." 


THE   SHAH    N/MEH  291 

"A  deadly  dart  from  Rustem's  bow, 
Will  lay  the  glorious  warrior  low." 

These  tidings  gladdened  the  heart  of  Gushtasp,  and  he  said : 
"  If  this  miscreant  had  been  slain  in  his  expedition  to  the 
Brazen  Fortress  I  should  not  now  have  been  insulted  with  his 
claim  to  my  throne."  The  king  then  having  resolved  upon  a 
scheme  of  deep  dissimulation,  ordered  a  gorgeous  banquet,  and 
invited  to  it  all  his  relations  and  warriors ;  and  when  the 
guests  were  assembled  he  said  to  Isfendiyar:  "  The  crown  and 
the  throne  are  thine ;  indeed,  who  is  there  so  well  qualified  for 
imperial  sway  ?  "  and  turning  to  his  warriors,  he  spoke  of  him 
with  praise  and  admiration,  and  added :  "  When  I  was  enter- 
ing upon  the  war  against  Arjasp,  before  I  quitted  Sistan,  I  said 
to  Rustem :  '  Lohurasp,  my  father,  is  dead,  my  wife  and  chil- 
dren made  prisoners,  wilt  thou  assist  me  in  punishing  the 
murderer  and  oppressor  ? '  but  he  excused  himself,  and  re- 
mained at  home,  and  although  I  have  since  been  involved  in 
numberless  perils,  he  has  not  once  by  inquiry  shown  himself 
interested  in  my  behalf;  in  short,  he  boasts  that  Kai-khosrau 
gave  him  the  principalities  of  Zabul  and  Kabul,  and  Nim-ruz, 
and  that  he  owes  no  allegiance  to  me !  It  behooves  me,  there- 
fore, to  depute  Isfendiyar  to  go  and  put  him  to  death,  or 
bring  him  before  me  in  bonds  alive.  After  that  I  shall  have 
no  enemy  to  be  revenged  upon,  and  I  shall  retire  from  the 
world,  and  leave  to  Isfendiyar  the  crown  and  the  throne  of 
Persia,  with  confidence  and  satisfaction."  All  the  nobles  and 
heroes  present  approved  of  the  measure,  and  the  king,  gratified 
by  their  approbation,  then  turned  to  Isfendiyar,  and  said :  "  I 
have  sworn  on  the  Zendavesta,  to  relinquish  my  power,  and 
place  it  in  thy  hands,  as  soon  as  Rustem  is  subdued.  Take 
whatever  force  the  important  occasion  may  require,  for  the 
whole  resources  of  the  empire  shall  be  at  thy  command."  But 
Isfendiyar  thus  replied :  "  Remember  the  first  time  I  defeated 
Arjasp — what  was  my  reward  ?  Through  the  machinations  of 
Gurzam  I  was  thrown  into  prison  and  chained.  And  what  is 
my  reward  now  that  I  have  slain  both  Arjasp  and  his  son  in 
battle  ?  Thy  solemn  promise  to  me  is  forgotten,  or  disregarded. 
The  prince  who  forgets  one  promise  will  forget  another,  if  it  be 
convenient  for  his  purpose. 


292  FIRDUSI 

Whenever  the  Heft-khan  is  brought  to  mind, 

I  feel  a  sense  of  horror.     But  why  should  I 

Repeat  the  story  of  those  great  exploits! 

God  is  my  witness,  how  I  slew  the  wolf, 

The  lion,  and  the  dragon;  how  I  punished 

That  fell  enchantress  with  her  thousand  wiles; 

And  how  I  suffered,  midst  the  storm  of  snow, 

Which  almost  froze  the  blood  within  my  veins; 

And  how  that  vast  unfathomable  deep 

We  crossed  securely.     These  are  deeds  which  awaken 

Wonder  and  praise  in  others,  not  in  thee! 

The  treasure  which  I  captured  now  is  thine; 

And  what  is  my  reward? — the  interest,  sorrow. 

Thus  am  I  cheated  of  my  recompense. 

It  is  the  custom  for  great  kings  to  keep 

Religiously  their  pledged,  affianced  word; 

But  thou  hast  broken  thine,  despite  of  honour. 

I  do  remember  in  my  early  youth, 
It  was  in  Rum,  thou  didst  perform  a  feat 
Of  gallant  daring;  for  thou  didst  destroy 
A  dragon  and  a  wolf,  but  thou  didst  bear 
Thyself  most  proudly,  thinking  human  arm 
Never  before  had  done  a  deed  so  mighty; 
Yes,  thou  wert  proud  and  vain,  and  seemed  exalted 
Up  to  the  Heavens;  and  for  that  noble  act 
What  did  thy  father  do?    The  king  for  that 
Gave  thee  with  joyous  heart  his  crown  and  throne. 
Now  mark  the  difference;  think  what  I  have  done, 
What  perils  I  sustained,  and  for  thy  sake! 
Thy  foes  I  vanquished,  clearing  from  thy  mind 
The  gnawing  rust  of  trouble  and  affliction. 
Monsters  I  slew,  reduced  the  Brazen  Fortress, 
And  laid  Arjasp's  whole  empire  at  thy  feet, 
And  what  was  my  reward?    Neglect  and  scorn. 
Did  I  deserve  this  at  a  father's  hands?  " 

Gushtasp  remained  unmoved  by  this  sharp  rebuke,  though 
he  readily  acknowledged  its  justice.  "  The  crown  shall  be 
thine,"  said  he,  "  but  consider  my  position.  Think,  too,  what 
services  Zal  and  Rustem  performed  for  Kai-khosrau,  and 
shall  I  expect  less  from  my  own  son,  gifted  as  he  is  with  a  form 
of  brass,  and  the  most  prodigious  valor  ?  Forbid  it,  Heaven ! 
that  any  rumor  of  our  difference  should  get  abroad  in  the 
world,  which  would  redound  to  the  dishonor  of  both !  Nearly 
half  of  Iran  is  in  the  possession  of  Rustem."  "  Give  me  the 
crown,"  said  Isfendiyar,  "  and  I  will  immediately  proceed 
against  the  Zabul  champion."  "  I  have  given  thee  both  the 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  293 

crown  and  the  throne,  take  with  thee  my  whole  army,  and  all 
my  treasure. — What  wouldst  thou  have  more?  He  who  has 
conquered  the  terrific  obstacles  of  the  Heft-khan,  and  has  slain 
Arjasp  and  subdued  his  entire  kingdom,  can  have  no  cause  to 
fear  the  prowess  of  Rustem,  or  any  other  chief."  Isfendiyar 
replied  that  he  had  no  fear  of  Rustem's  prowess ;  he  was  now 
old,  and  therefore  not  equal  to  himself  in  strength ;  still  he  had 
no  wish  to  oppose  him : — 

For  he  has  been  the  monitor  and  friend 

Of  our  Kaianian  ancestors;   his  care 

Enriched  their  minds,  and  taught  them  to  be  brave; 

And  he  was  ever  faithful  to  their  cause. 

Besides,"  said  he,  "  thou  wert  the  honoured  guest 

Of  Rustem  two  long  years;  and  at  Sistan 

Enjoyed  his  hospitality  and  friendship, 

His  festive,  social  board;  and  canst  thou  now, 

Forgetting  that  delightful  intercourse, 

Become  his  bitterest  foe?" 

Gushtasp  replied : — 

"  'Tis  true  he  may  have  served  my  ancestors; 
But  what  is  that  to  me?    His  spirit  is  proud, 
And  he  refused  to  yield  me  needful  aid 
When  danger  pressed;    that  is  enough,  and  thou 
Canst  not  divert  me  from  my  settled  purpose. 
Therefore,  if  thy  aim  be  still 
To  rule,  thy  father's  wish  fulfil; 
Quickly  trace  the  distant  road; 
Quick  invade  the  chief's  abode; 
Bind  his  feet,  and  bind  his  hands 
In  a  captive's  galling  bands; 
Bring  him  here,  that  all  may  know 
Thou  hast  quelled  the  mighty  foe." 

But  Isfendiyar  was  still  reluctant,  and  implored  him  to 
relinquish  his  design. 

"  For  if  resolved,  a  gloomy  cloud 
Will  quickly  all  thy  glories  shroud, 

And  dim  thy  brilliant  throne; 
I  would  not  thus  aspire  to  reign, 
But  rather,  free  from  crime,  remain 

Sequestered  and  alone." 

Again  Gushtasp  spoke,  and  said :  "  There  is  no  necessity  for 
any  further  delay.    Thou  art  appointed  my  successor,  and  the 


294 


FIRDUSI 


crown  and  the  throne  are  thine;  thou  hast  therefore  only  to 
march  to  the  scene  of  action,  and  accomplish  the  object  of  the 
war."  Hearing  this,  Isfendiyar  sullenly  retired  to  his  own 
house,  and  Gushtasp,  perceiving  that  he  was  in  an  angry  mood, 
requested  Jamasp  (his  minister)  to  ascertain  the  state  of  his 
mind,  and  whether  he  intended  to  proceed  to  Sistan  or  not. 
Jamasp  immediately  went,  and  Isfendiyar  asked  him,  as  his 
friend,  what  he  would  advise.  "  The  commands  of  a  father/' 
he  replied,  "  must  be  obeyed."  There  was  now  no  remedy,  and 
the  king  being  informed  that  the  prince  consented  to  under- 
take the  expedition,  no  further  discussion  took  place. 

But  Kitabun  was  deeply  affected  when  she  heard  of  these 
proceedings,  and  repaired  instantly  to  her  son,  to  represent  to 
him  the  hopelessness  of  the  enterprise  he  had  engaged  to 
conduct. 

"A  mother's  counsel  is  a  golden  treasure, 
Consider  well,  and  listen  not  to  folly. 
Rustem,  the  champion  of  the  world,  will  never 
Suffer  himself  to  be  confined  in  bonds. 
Did  he  not  conquer  the  White  Demon,  fill 
The  world  with  blood,  in  terrible  revenge, 
When  Saiawush  was  by  Afrasiyab 
Cruelly  slain?    O,  curses  on  the  throne, 
And  ruin  seize  the  country,  which  returns 
Evil  for  good,  and  spurns  its  benefactor. 
Restrain  thy  steps,  engage  not  in  this  war; 
It  cannot  do  thee  honour.     Hear  my  voice! 
For  Rustem  still  can  conquer  all  the  world." 
Hear  the  safe  counsel  of  thy  anxious  mother! 
Thus  spoke  Kitabun,  shedding  ceaseless  tears; 
And  thus  Isfendiyar:   "  I  fear  not  Rustem; 
I  fear  not  his  prodigious  power  and  skill; 
But  never  can  I  on  so  great  a  hero 
Place  ignominious  bonds;   it  must  not  be. 
Yet,  mother  dear,  my  faithful  word  is  pledged; 
My  word  Jamasp  has  taken  to  the  king, 
And  I  must  follow  where  my  fortune  leads." 

The  next  morning  Isfendiyar  took  leave  of  the  king,  and 
with  a  vast  army,  and  immense  treasure,  commenced  his  march 
towards  Sistan.  It  happened  that  one  of  the  camels  in  advance 
laid  down,  and  though  beaten  severely,  could  not  be  made  to 
get  up  on  its  legs.  Isfendiyar,  seeing  the  obstinacy  of  the 
animal,  ordered  it  to  be  killed,  and  passed  on.  The  people, 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  295 

however,  interpreted  the  accident  as  a  bad  omen,  and  wished 
him  not  to  proceed ;  but  he  could  not  attend  to  their  sugges- 
tions, as  he  thought  the  king  would  look  upon  it  as  a  mere 
pretence,  and  therefore  continued  his  journey. 

When  he  approached  Sistan,  he  sent  Bahman,  his  eldest 
son,  to  Rustem,  with  a  flattering  message,  to  induce  the  cham- 
pion to  honor  him  with  an  istakbal,  or  deputation  to  receive 
him.  Upon  Bahman's  arrival,  however,  he  hesitated  and  de- 
layed, being  reluctant  to  give  a  direct  answer;  but  Zal  inter- 
posed, saying:  "  Why  not  immediately  wait  upon  the  prince? 
— have  we  not  always  been  devoted  to  the  Kaianian  dynasty  ? — 
Go  and  bring  him  hither,  that  we  may  tender  him  our  allegiance, 
and  entertain  him  at  our  mansion  as  becomes  his  illustrious 
birth."  Accordingly  Rustem  went  out  to  welcome  Isfendiyar, 
and  alighting  from  Rakush,  proceeded  respectfully  on  foot  to 
embrace  him.  He  then  invited  him  to  his  house,  but  Isfendiyar 
said :  "  So  strict  are  my  father's  commands,  that  after  having 
seen  thee,  I  am  not  permitted  to  delay  my  departure."  Rustem, 
however,  pressed  him  to  remain  with  him,  but  all  in  vain.  On 
the  contrary  the  prince  artfully  conducted  him  to  his  own  quar- 
ters, where  he  addressed  him  thus :  "  If  thou  wilt  allow  me  to 
bind  thee,  hand  and  foot,  in  chains,  I  will  convey  thee  to  the 
king  my  father,  whose  humor  it  is  to  see  thee  once  in  fetters, 
and  then  to  release  thee !  "  Rustem  was  silent.  Again  Isfen- 
diyar said :  "  If  thou  art  not  disposed  to  comply  with  this  de- 
mand, go  thy  ways."  Rustem  replied :  "  First  be  my  guest, 
as  thy  father  once  was,  and  after  that  I  will  conform  to  thy  will." 
Again  the  prince  said :  "  My  father  visited  thee  under  other 
circumstances ;  I  have  come  for  a  different  purpose.  If  I  eat 
thy  bread  and  salt,  and  after  that  thou  shouldst  refuse  thy 
acquiescence,  I  must  have  recourse  to  force.  But  if  I  become 
thy  guest,  how  can  I  in  honor  fight  with  thee  ?  and  if  I  do  not 
take  thee  bound  into  my  father's  presence,  according  to  his 
command,  what  answer  shall  I  give  to  him  ?  "  "  For  the  same 
reason,"  said  Rustem ;  "  how  can  I  eat  thy  bread  and  salt  ?  " 
Isfendiyar  then  replied :  "  Thou  needest  not  eat  my  bread  and 
salt,  but  only  drink  wine. — Bring  thy  own  pure  ruby."  To  this 
Rustem  agreed,  and  they  drank,  each  his  own  wine,  together. 

In  a  short  space  Rustem  observed  that  he  wished  to  consult 
his  father  Zal ;  and  being  allowed  to  depart,  he,  on  his  return 
home,  described  in  strong  terms  of  admiration  the  personal 
appearance  and  mental  qualities  of  Isfendiyar. 


296  FIRDUSI 

"  In  wisdom  ripe,  and  with  a  form 
Of  brass  to  meet  the  battle-storm, 
Thou  wouldst  confess  his  every  boon, 
Had  been  derived  from  Feridun." 

Bashiitan  in  the  meanwhile  observed  to  his  brother,  with  some 
degree  of  dissatisfaction,  that  his  enemy  had  come  into  his 
power,  on  his  own  feet  too,  but  had  been  strangely  permitted 
to  go  away  again.  To  this  gentle  reproof  Isfendiyar  con- 
fidently replied,  "  If  he  does  fail  to  return,  I  will  go  and  secure 
him  in  bonds,  even  in  his  own  house." — "  Ah !  "  said  Bashutan, 
"  that  might  be  done  by  gentleness,  but  not  by  force,  for  the 
descendant  of  Sam,  the  champion  of  the  world,  is  not  to  be 
subdued  so  easily."  These  words  had  a  powerful  effect  upon 
the  mind  of  Isfendiyar,  and  he  became  apprehensive  that 
Rustem  would  not  return ;  but  whilst  he  was  still  murmuring 
at  his  own  want  of  vigilance,  the  champion  appeared,  and  at 
this  second  interview  repeated  his  desire  that  the  prince  would 
become  his  guest.  "  I  am  sent  here  by  my  father,  who  relies 
upon  thy  accepting  his  proffered  hospitality." — "  That  may 
be,"  said  Isfendiyar,  "  but  I  am  at  my  utmost  limit,  I  cannot 
go  farther.  From  this  place,  therefore,  thou  hadst  better 
prepare  to  accompany  me  to  Iran."  Here  Rustem  paused,  and 
at  length  artfully  began  to  enumerate  his  various  achievements, 
and  to  blazon  his  own  name. 

"  I  fettered  fast  the  emperor  of  Chin, 
And  broke  the  enchantment  of  the  Seven  Khans; 
I  stood  the  guardian  of  the  Persian  kings, 
Their  shield  in  danger.     I  have  cleared  the  world 
Of  all  their  foes,  enduring  pain  and  toil 
Incalculable.     Such  exploits  for  thee 
Will  I  achieve,  such  sufferings  will  I  bear, 
And  hence  we  offer  thee  a  social  welcome. 
But  let  not  dark  suspicion  cloud  thy  mind, 
Nor  think  thyself  exalted  as  the  heavens, 
Because  I  thus  invite  thee  to  our  home." 

Isfendiyar  felt  so  indignant  and  irritated  by  this  apparent 
boasting  and  self-sufficiency  of  Rustem,  that  his  first  impulse 
was  to  cast  a  dagger  at  him ;  but  he  kept  down  his  wrath,  and 
satisfied  himself  with  giving  him  a  scornful  glance,  and  telling 
him  to  take  a  seat  on  his  left  hand.  But  Rustem  resented  this 
affront,  saying  that  he  never  yet  had  sat  down  on  the  left  of 


THE  SHAH    NAMEH  297 

any  king,  and  placed  himself,  without  permission,  on  the  right 
hand  of  Isfendiyar.  The  unfavorable  impression  on  the  prince's 
mind  was  increased  by  this  independent  conduct,  and  he  was 
provoked  to  say  to  him,  "  Rustem !  I  have  heard  that  Zal,  thy 
father,  was  of  demon  extraction,  and  that  Sam  cast  him  into  the 
desert  because  of  his  disgusting  and  abominable  appearance; 
that  even  the  hungry  Simurgh,  on  the  same  account,  forebore  to 
feed  upon  him,  but  conveyed  him  to  her  nest  among  her  own 
young  ones,  who,  pitying  his  wretched  condition,  supplied  him 
with  part  of  the  carrion  they  were  accustomed  to  devour.  Naked 
and  filthy,  he  is  thus  said  to  have  subsisted  on  garbage,  till  Sam 
was  induced  to  commiserate  his  wretchedness,  and  take  him  to 
Sistan,  where,  by  the  indulgence  of  his  family  and  royal  bounty, 
he  was  instructed  in  human  manners  and  human  science."  This 
was  a  reproach  and  an  insult  too  biting  for  Rustem  to  bear  with 
any  degree  of  patience,  and  frowning  with  strong  indignation, 
he  said,  "  Thy  father  knows,  and  thy  grandfather  well  knew  that 
Zal  was  the  son  of  Sam,  and  Sam  of  Nariman,  and  that  Nari- 
man  was  descended  from  Husheng.  Thou  and  I,  therefore, 
have  the  same  origin.  Besides,  on  my  mother's  side,  I  am  de- 
scended from  Zohak,  so  that  by  both  parents  I  am  of  a  race  of 
princes.  Knowest  thou  not  that  the  Iranian  empire  was  for 
some  time  in  my  hands,  and  that  I  refused  to  retain  it,  though 
urged  by  the  nobles  and  the  army  to  exercise  the  functions  of 
royalty?  It  was  my  sense  of  justice,  and  attachment  to  the 
Kais  and  to  thy  family,  which  have  enabled  thee  to  possess  thy 
present  dignity  and  command.  It  is  through  my  fidelity  and 
zeal  that  thou  art  now  in  a  situation  to  reproach  me.  Thou 
hast  slain  one  king,  Arjasp,  how  many  kings  have  I  slain  ?  Did 
I  not  conquer  Afrasiyab,  the  greatest  and  bravest  king  that 
ever  ruled  over  Tiiran  ?  And  did  I  not  also  subdue  the  king  of 
Hamaveran,  and  the  Khakan  of  Chin?  Kaus,  thy  own  an- 
cestor, I  released  from  the  demons  of  Mazinderan.  I  slew  the 
White  Demon,  and  the  tremendous  giant,  Akwan  Diw.  Can 
thy  insignificant  exploits  be  compared  with  mine  ?  Never !  " 
Rustem's  vehemence,  and  the  disdainful  tone  of  his  voice,  ex- 
asperated still  more  the  feelings  of  Isfendiyar,  who  however 
recollected  that  he  was  under  his  roof,  otherwise  he  would  have 
avenged  himself  instantly  on  the  spot.  Restraining  his  anger, 
he  then  said  softly  to  him,  "  Wherefore  dost  thou  raise  thy 
voice  so  high?  For  though  thy  head  be  exalted  to  the  skies, 


298  FIRDUSI 

thou  wert,  and  still  art,  but  a  dependent  on  the  Kais.  And  was 
thy  Heft-khan  equal  in  terrible  danger  to  mine?  Was  the 
capture  of  Mazinderan  equal  in  valorous  exertion  to  the  capture 
of  the  Brazen  Fortress  ?  And  did  I  not,  by  the  power  of  my 
sword,  diffuse  throughout  the  world  the  blessings  of  my  own 
religion,  the  faith  of  the  fire-worshipper,  which  was  derived 
from  Heaven  itself?  Thou  hast  performed  the  duties  of  a 
warrior  and  a  servant,  whilst  I  have  performed  the  holy  func- 
tions of  a  sovereign  and  a  prophet !  "  Rustem,  in  reply,  said : — 

"  In  thy  Heft-khan  thou  hadst  twelve  thousand  men 
Completely  armed,  with  ample  stores  and  treasure, 
Whilst  Rakush  and  my  sword,  my  conquering  sword, 
Were  all  the  aid  I  had,  and  all  I  sought, 
In  that  prodigious  enterprise  of  mine. 
Two  sisters  thou  released — no  arduous  task, 
Whilst  I  recovered  from  the  demon's  grasp 
The  mighty  Kaus,  and  the  monsters  slew, 
Roaring  like  thunder  in  their  dismal  caves. 

This  great  exploit  my  single  arm  achieved; 
And  when  Kai-khosrau  gave  the  regal  crown 
To  Lohurasp,  the  warriors  were  incensed, 
And  deemed  Friburz,  Kaus's  valiant  son, 
Fittest  by  birth  to  rule.     My  sire  and  I 
Espoused  the  cause  of  Lohurasp;  else  he 
Had  never  sat  upon  the  throne,  nor  thou 
Been  here  to  treat  with  scorn  thy  benefactor. 
And  now  Gushtasp,  with  foul  ingratitude, 
Would  bind  me  hand  and  foot!     But  who  on  earth 
Can  do  that  office?    I  am  not  accustomed 
To  hear  harsh  terms,  and  cannot  brook  their  sting, 
Therefore  desist.     Once  in  Kaus's  court, 
When  I  was  moved  to  anger,  I  poured  out 
Upon  him  words  of  bitterest  scorn  and  rage, 
And  though  surrounded  by  a  thousand  chiefs, 
Not  one  attempted  to  repress  my  fury, 
Not  one,  but  all  stood  silent  and  amazed." 

"  Smooth  that  indignant  brow,"  the  prince  replied 
"  And  measure  not  my  courage  nor  my  strength 
With  that  of  Kaus;   had  he  nerve  like  mine? 
Thou  might'st  have  kept  the  timorous  king  in  awe, 
But  I  am  come  myself  to  fetter  thee!  " 
So  saying,  he  the  hand  of  Rustem  grasped, 
And  wrung  it  so  intensely,  that  the  champion 
Felt  inwardly  surprised,  but  careless  said, 
"  The  time  is  not  yet  come  for  us  to  try 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  299 

Our  power  in  battle."    Then  Isfendiyar 

Dropped  Rustem's  hand,  and  spoke,  "  To-day  let  wine 

Inspire  our  hearts,  and  on  the  field  to-morrow 

Be  ours  the  strife,  with  battle-axe  and  sword, 

And  my  first  aim  shall  be  to  bind  thee  fast, 

And  show  thee  to  my  troops,  Rustem  in  fetters!  " 

At  this  the  champion  smiled,  and  thus  exclaimed, 
"  Where  hast  thou  seen  the  deeds  of  warriors  brave? 
Where  hast  thou  heard  the  clash  of  mace  and  sword 
Wielded  by  men  of  valour?     I  to-morrow 
Will  take  thee  in  my  arms,  and  straight  convey  thee 
To  Zal,  and  place  thee  on  the  ivory  throne, 
And  on  thy  head  a  crown  of  gold  shall  glitter. 
The  treasury  I  will  open,  and  our  troops 
Shall  fight  for  thee,  and  I  will  gird  my  loins 
As  they  were  girt  for  thy  bold  ancestors; 
And  when  thou  art  the  chosen  king,  and  I 
Thy  warrior-chief,  the  world  will  be  thy  own; 
No  other  sovereign  need  attempt  to  reign." 

"  So  much  time  has  been  spent  in  vain  boasting,  and  ex- 
travagant self-praise,"  rejoined  Isfendiyar,  "  that  the  day  is 
nearly  done,  and  I  am  hungry ;  let  us  therefore  take  some  re- 
freshment together."  Rustem's  appetite  being  equally  keen, 
the  board  was  spread,  and  every  dish  that  was  brought  to  him 
he  emptied  at  once,  as  if  at  one  swallow ;  then  he  threw  aside 
the  goblets,  and  called  for  the  large  flagon  that  he  might  drink 
his  fill  without  stint.  When  he  had  finished  several  dishes  and 
as  many  flagons  of  wine,  he  paused,  and  Isfendiyar  and  the 
assembled  chiefs  were  astonished  at  the  quantity  he  had 
devoured.  He  now  prepared  to  depart,  and  the  prince  said 
to  him,  "  Go  and  consult  with  thy  father :  if  thou  art  contented 
to  be  bound,  well ;  if  not,  thou  wilt  have  cause  to  repent,  for 
I  will  assuredly  attend  to  the  commands  of  Gushtasp." — 
"  Do  thou  also  consult  with  thy  brethren  and  friends,"  replied 
Rustem,  "  whether  thou  wilt  be  our  guest  to-morrow,  or  not ;  if 
not,  come  to  this  place  before  sunrise,  that  we  may  decide  our 
differences  in  battle."  Isfendiyar  said,  "  My  most  anxious 
desire,  my  wish  to  heaven,  is  to  meet  thee,  for  I  shall  have  no 
difficulty  in  binding  thee  hand  and  foot.  I  would  indeed 
willingly  convey  thee  without  fetters  to  my  father,  but  if  I  did 
so,  he  would  say  that  I  was  unable  to  put  thee  in  bonds,  and 
that  would  disgrace  my  name."  Rustem  observed  that  the 
immense  number  of  men  and  demons  he  had  contended  against 


3oo  FIRDUSI 

was  as  nothing  in  the  balance  of  his  mind  compared  with  the 
painful  subject  of  his  present  thoughts  and  fears.  He  was 
ready  to  engage,  but  afraid  of  meriting  a  bad  name. 

"  If  in  the  battle  thou  art  slain  by  me, 
Will  not  my  cheek  turn  pale  among  the  princes 
Of  the  Kaianian  race,  having  cut  off 
A  lovely  branch  of  that  illustrious  tree? 
Will  not  reproaches  hang  upon  my  name 
When  I  am  dead,  and  shall  I  not  be  cursed 
For  perpetrating  such  a  horrid  deed? 
Thy  father,  too,  is  old,  and  near  his  end, 
And  thou  upon  the  eve  of  being  crowned; 
And  in  thy  heart  thou  knowest  that  I  proffered, 
And  proffer  my  allegiance  and  devotion, 
And  would  avoid  the  conflict.     Sure,  thy  father 
Is  practising  some  trick,  some  foul  deception, 
To  urge  thee  on  to  an  untimely  death, 
To  rid  himself  of  some  unnatural  fear, 
He  stoops  to  an  unnatural,  treacherous  act, 
For  I  have  ever  been  the  firm  support 
Of  crown  and  throne,  and  perfectly  he  knows 
No  mortal  ever  conquered  me  in  battle, 
None  ever  from  my  sword  escaped  his  life." 

Then  spoke  Isfendiyar:  "Thou  wouldst  be  generous 
And  bear  a  spotless  name,  and  tarnish  mine; 
But  I  am  not  to  be  deceived  by  thee: 
In  fetters  thou  must  go!  "     Rustem  replied: 
"  Banish  that  idle  fancy  from  thy  brain; 
Dream  not  of  things  impossible,  for  death 
Is  busy  with  thee;  pause,  or  thou  wilt  die." 
"  No  more!  "  exclaimed  the  prince,  "  no  more  of  this. 
Nor  seek  to  frighten  me  with  threatening  words; 
Go,  and  to-morrow  bring  with  thee  thy  friends, 
Thy  father  and  thy  brother,  to  behold 
With  their  own  eyes  thy  downfall,  and  lament 
In  sorrow  over  thy  impending  fate." 
"  So  let  it  be,"  said  Rustem,  and  at  once 
Mounted  his  noble  horse,  and  hastened  home. 

The  champion  immediately  requested  his  father's  permission 
to  go  and  fight  Isfendiyar  the  following  day,  but  the  old  man 
recommended  reconciliation  and  peace.  "  That  cannot  be," 
said  Rustem,  "  for  he  has  reviled  thee  so  severely,  and  heaped 
upon  me  so  many  indignities,  that  my  patience  is  exhausted, 
and  the  contest  unavoidable."  In  the  morning  Zal,  weeping 
bitterly,  tied  on  Rustem's  armor  himself,  and  in  an  agony  of 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  301 

grief,  said:  "  If  thou  shouldst  kill  Isfendiyar,  thy  name  will 
be  rendered  infamous  throughout  the  world;  and  if  thou 
shouldst  be  killed,  Sistan  will  be  prostrate  in  the  dust,  and  ex- 
tinguished forever!  My  heart  shudders  at  the  thoughts  of 
this  battle,  but  there  is  no  remedy."  Rustem  said  to  him: — 
"  Put  thy  trust  in  God,  and  be  not  sorrowful,  for  when  I  grasp 
my  sword  the  head  of  the  enemy  is  lost ;  but  my  desire  is  to  take 
Isfendiyar  alive,  and  not  to  kill  him.  I  would  serve  him,  and 
not  sever  his  head  from  his  body."  Zal  was  pleased  with  this 
determination,  and  rejoiced  that  there  was  a  promise  of  a 
happy  issue  to  the  engagement. 

In  the  morning  Rustem  arrayed  himself  in  his  war-attire, 
helmet  and  breast-plate,  and  mounted  Rakush,  also  armed  in 
his  bargustuwan.  His  troops,  too,  were  all  assembled,  and  Zal 
appointed  Zuara  to  take  charge  of  them,  and  be  careful  of  his 
brother  on  all  occasions  where  assistance  might  be  necessary. 
The  old  man  then  prostrated  himself  in  prayer,  and  said,  "  O 
God,  turn  from  us  all  affliction,  and  vouchsafe  to  us  a  prosper- 
ous day."  Rustem  being  prepared  for  the  struggle,  directed 
Zuara  to  wait  with  the  troops  at  a  distance,  whilst  he  went  alone 
to  meet  Isfendiyar.  When  Bashutan  first  saw  him,  he  thought 
he  was  coming  to  offer  terms  of  peace,  and  said  to  Isfendiyar, 
"  He  is  coming  alone,  and  it  is  better  that  he  should  go  to  thy 
father  of  his  own  accord,  than  in  bonds." — "  But,"  replied  Isfen- 
diyar, "he  is  coming  completely  equipped  in  mail — quick,  bring 
me  my  arms." — "  Alas !  "  rejoined  Bashutan,  "  thy  brain  is  wild, 
and  thou  art  resolved  upon  fighting.  This  impetuous  spirit 
will  break  my  heart."  But  Isfendiyar  took  no  notice  of  the 
gentle  rebuke.  Presently  he  saw  Rustem  ascend  a  high  place, 
and  heard  his  summons  to  single  combat.  He  then  told  his 
brother  to  keep  at  a  distance  with  the  army,  and  not  to  inter- 
fere till  aid  was  positively  required.  Insisting  rigidly  on  these 
instructions,  he  mounted  his  night-black  charger,  and  hastened 
towards  Rustem,  who  now  proposed  to  him  that  they  should 
wait  awhile,  and  that  in  the  meantime  the  two  armies  might 
be  put  in  motion  against  each  other.  "  Though,"  said  he,  "  my 
men  of  Zabul  are  few,  and  thou  hast  a  numerous  host." 

"  This  is  a  strange  request,"  replied  the  prince, 
"  But  thou  art  all  deceit  and  artifice; 
Mark  thy  position,  lofty  and  commanding, 
And  mine,  beneath  thee — in  a  spreading  vale. 


302  FIRDUSI 

Now,  Heaven  forbid  that  I,  in  reckless  mood, 
Should  give  my  valiant  legions  to  destruction, 
And  look  unpitying  on!     No,  I  advance, 
Whoever  may  oppose  me;  and  if  thou 
Requirest  aid,  select  thy  friend,  and  come, 
For  I  need  none,  save  God,  in  battle — none." 
And  Rustem  said  the  same,  for  he  required 
No  human  refuge,  no  support  but  Heaven. 

The  battle  rose,  and  numerous  javelins  whizzed 
Along  the  air,  and  helm  and  mail  were  bruised; 
Spear  fractured  spear,  and  then  with  shining  swords 
The  strife  went  on,  till,  trenched  with  many  a  wound, 
They,  too,  snapped  short.    The  battle-axe  was  next 
Wielded,  in  furious  wrath;  each  bending  forward 
Struck  brain-bewildering  blows;   each  tried  in  vain 
To  hurl  the  other  from  his  fiery  horse. 
Wearied,  at  length,  they  stood  apart  to  breathe 
Their  charges  panting  from  excessive  toil, 
Covered  with  foam  and  blood,  and  the  strong  armor, 
Of  steed  and  rider  rent.     The  combatants 
Thus  paused,  in  mutual  consternation  lost. 

In  the  meantime  Zuara,  impatient  at  this  delay,  advanced 
towards  the  Iranians,  and  reproached  them  for  their  cowardice 
so  severely,  that  Nushawer,  the  younger  son  of  Isfendiyar,  felt 
ashamed,  and  immediately  challenged  the  bravest  of  the 
enemy  to  fight.  Alwai,  one  of  Rustem's  followers,  came  boldly 
forward,  but  his  efforts  only  terminated  in  his  discomfiture  and 
death.  After  him  came  Zuara  himself: — 

Who  galloped  to  the  charge  incensed,  and,  high 
Lifting  his  iron  mace,  upon  the  head 
Of  bold  Nushawer  struck  a  furious  blow, 
Which  drove  him  from  his  steed  a  lifeless  corse. 
Seeing  their  gallant  leader  thus  o'erthrown, 
The  troops  in  terror  fled,  and  in  their  flight 
Thousands  were  slain,  among  them  brave  Mehrnus, 
Another  kinsman  of  Isfendiyar. 

Bahman,  observing  the  defeat  and  confusion  of  the  Iranians, 
went  immediately  to  his  father,  and  told  him  that  two  of  his 
own  family  were  killed  by  the  warriors  of  Zabul,  who  had  also 
attacked  him  and  put  his  troops  to  the  rout  with  great 
slaughter.  Isfendiyar  was  extremely  irritated  at  this  intelli- 
gence, and  called  aloud  to  Rustem :  "  Is  treachery  like  this  be- 
coming in  a  warrior  ?  "  The  champion  being  deeply  concerned, 
shook  like  a  branch,  and  swore  by  the  head  and  life  of  the  king, 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  303 

by  the  sun,  and  his  own  conquering  sword,  that  he  was  ignorant 
of  the  event,  and  innocent  of  what  had  been  done.  To  prove 
what  he  said,  he  offered  to  bind  in  fetters  his  brother  Zuara, 
who  must  have  authorized  the  movement ;  and  also  to  secure 
Feramurz,  who  slew  Mehrnus,  and  deliver  them  over  to  Gush- 
tasp,  the  fire-worshipper.  "  Nay,"  said  he,  "  I  will  deliver  over 
to  thee  my  whole  family,  as  well  as  my  brother  and  son,  and 
thou  mayest  sacrifice  them  all  as  a  punishment  for  having  com- 
menced the  fight  without  permission."  Isfendiyar  replied: 
"  Of  what  use  would  it  be  to  sacrifice  thy  brother  and  thy  son  ? 
Would  that  restore  my  own  to  me?  No.  Instead  of  them,  I 
will  put  thee  to  death,  therefore  come  on !  "  Accordingly  both 
simultaneously  bent  their  bows,  and  shot  their  arrows  with  the 
utmost  rapidity ;  but  whilst  Rustem's  made  no  impression,  those 
of  Isfendiyar's  produced  great  effect  on  the  champion  and  his 
horse.  So  severely  was  Rakush  wounded,  that  Rustem,  when 
he  perceived  how  much  his  favorite  horse  was  exhausted,  dis^ 
mounted,  and  continued  to  impel  his  arrows  against  the  enemy 
from  behind  his  shield.  But  Rakush  brooked  not  the  dreadful 
storm,  and  galloped  off  unconscious  that  his  master  himself  was 
in  as  bad  a  plight.  When  Zuara.  saw  the  noble  animal,  riderless, 
crossing  the  plain,  he  gasped  for  breath,  and  in  an  agony  of 
grief  hurried  to  the  fatal  spot,  where  he  found  Rustem  desper- 
ately hurt,  and  the  blood  flowing  copiously  from  every  wound. 
The  champion  observed,  that  though  he  was  himself  bleeding 
so  much,  not  one  drop  of  blood  appeared  to  have  issued  from 
the  veins  of  his  antagonist.  He  was  very  weak,  but  succeeded 
in  dragging  himself  up  to  his  former  position,  when  Isfendiyar, 
smiling  to  see  them  thus,  exclaimed : — 

"  Is  this  the  valiant  Rustem,  the  renowned, 
Quitting  the  field  of  battle?     Where  is  now 
The  raging  tiger,  the  victorious  chief? 
Was  it  from  thee  the  Demons  shrunk  in  terror, 
And  did  thy  burning  sword  sear  out  their  hearts? 
What  has  become  of  all  thy  valour  now? 
Where  is  thy  matchless  mace,  and  why  art  thou, 
The  roaring  lion,  turned  into  a  fox, 
An  animal  of  slyness,  not  of  courage, 
Losing  thy  noble  character  and  name?  " 

Zuara,  when  he  came  to  Rustem,  alighted  and  resigned  his 
horse  to  his  brother ;  and  placing  an  arrow  on  his  bow-string, 


304  FIRDUSI 

wished  himself  to  engage  Isfendiyar,  who  was  ready  to  fight 
him,  but  Rustem  cried,  "  No,  I  have  not  yet  done  with  thee." 
Isfendiyar  replied :  "  I  know  thee  well,  and  all  thy  dissimula- 
tion, but  nothing  yet  is  accomplished.  Come  and  consent  to 
be  fettered,  or  I  must  compel  thee."  Rustem,  however,  was 
not  to  be  overcome,  and  he  said :  "  If  I  were  really  subdued  by 
thee,  I  might  agree  to  be  bound  like  a  vanquished  slave ;  but 
the  day  is  now  closing,  to-morrow  we  will  resume  the  fight !  " 
Isfendiyar  acquiesced,  and  they  separated,  Rustem  going  to  his 
own  tent,  and  the  prince  remaining  on  the  field.  There  he 
affectionately  embraced  the  severed  heads  of  his  kinsmen, 
placed  them  himself  on  a  bier,  and  sent  them  to  his  father,  the 
king,  with  a  letter  in  which  he  said,  "  Thy  commands  must  be 
obeyed,  and  such  is  the  result  of  to-day ;  Heaven  only  knows 
what  may  befall  to-morrow."  Then  he  spoke  privately  to 
Bashutan :  "  This  Rustem  is  not  human,  he  is  formed  of  rock 
and  iron,  neither  sword  nor  javelin  has  done  him  mortal  harm ; 
but  the  arrows  went  deep  into  his  body,  and  it  will  indeed  be 
wonderful  if  he  lives  throughout  the  night.  I  know  not  what 
to  think  of  to-morrow,  or  how  I  shall  be  able  to  overcome 
him." 

When  Rustem  arrived  at  his  quarters,  Zal  soon  discovered 
that  he  had  received  many  wounds,  which  occasioned  great 
affliction  in  his  family,  and  he  said :  "  Alas !  that  in  my  old 
age  such  a  misfortune  should  have  befallen  us,  and  that  with 
my  own  eyes  I  should  see  these  gaping  wounds ! "  He  then 
rubbed  Rustem's  feet,  and  applied  healing  balm  to  the  wounds, 
and  bound  them  up  with  the  skill  and  care  of  a  physician. 
Rustem  said  to  his  father :  "  I  never  met  with  a  foe,  warrior  or 
demon,  of  such  amazing  strength  and  bravery  as  this!  He 
seems  to  have  a  brazen  body,  for  my  arrows,  which  I  can  drive 
through  an  anvil,  cannot  penetrate  his  chest.  If  I  had  applied 
the  power  which  I  have  exerted  to  a  mountain,  the  mountain 
would  have  moved  from  its  base,  but  he  sat  firmly  upon  his 
saddle  and  scorned  my  efforts.  I  thank  God  that  it  is  night, 
and  that  I  have  escaped  from  his  grasp.  To-morrow  I  cannot 
fight,  and  my  secret  wish  is  to  retire  unseen  from  the  struggle, 
that  no  trace  of  me  may  be  discovered." — "  In  that  case," 
replied  Zal,  "  the  victor  will  come  and  take  me  and  all  my 
family  into  bondage.  But  let  us  not  despair.  Did  not  the 
Simurgh  promise  that  whenever  I  might  be  overcome  by  ad- 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  305 

versity,  if  I  burned  one  of  her  feathers,  she  would  instantly 
appear?  Shall  we  not  then  solicit  assistance  in  this  awful 
extremity  ?  "  So  saying,  Zal  went  up  to  a  high  place,  and 
burnt  the  feather  in  a  censer,  and  in  a  short  time  the  Simurgh 
stood  before  him.  After  due  praise  and  acknowledgment,  he 
explained  his  wants.  "  But,"  said  he,  "  may  the  misfortune  we 
endure  be  far  from  him  who  has  brought  it  upon  us.  My  son 
Rustem  is  wounded  almost  unto  death,  and  I  am  so  helpless 
that  I  can  do  him  no  good."  He  then  brought  forward 
Rakush,  pierced  by  numerous  arrows ;  upon  which  the  wonder- 
ful Bird  said  to  him,  "  Be  under  no  alarm  on  that  account,  for 
I  will  soon  cure  him ;  "  and  she  immediately  plucked  out  the 
rankling  weapons  with  her  beak,  and  the  wounds,  on  passing  a 
feather  over  them,  were  quickly  healed. 

To  Rustem  now  she  turns,  and  soothes  his  grief, 
And  drawing  forth  the  arrows,  sucks  the  blood 
From  out  the  wounds,  which  at  her  bidding  close, 
And  the  illustrious  champion  is  restored 
To  life  and  power. 

Being  thus  reinvigorated  by  the  magic  influence  of  the 
Simurgh,  he  solicits  further  aid  in  the  coming  strife  with 
Isfendiyar ;  but  the  mysterious  animal  laments  that  she  cannot 
assist  him.  "  There  never  appeared  in  the  world,"  said  she, 
"  so  brave  and  so  perfect  a  hero  as  Isfendiyar.  The  favor  of 
Heaven  is  with  him,  for  in  his  Heft-khan  he,  by  some  artifice, 
succeeded  in  killing  a  Simurgh,  and  the  further  thou  art  re- 
moved from  his  invincible  arm,  the  greater  will  be  thy  safety." 
Here  Zal  interposed  and  said :  "  If  Rustem  retires  from  the 
contest,  his  family  will  all  be  enslaved,  and  I  shall  equally  share 
their  bondage  and  affliction."  The  Simurgh,  hearing  these 
words,  fell  into  deep  thought,  and  remained  some  time  silent. 
At  length  she  told  Rustem  to  mount  Rakush  and  follow  her. 
Away  she  went  to  a  far  distance ;  and  crossing  a  great  river, 
arrived  at  a  place  covered  with  reeds,  where  the  Kazu-tree 
abounded.  The  Simurgh  then  rubbed  one  of  her  feathers  upon 
the  eyes  of  Rustem,  and  directed  him  to  take  a  branch  of  the 
Kazu-tree,  and  make  it  straight  upon  the  fire,  and  form  that 
wand  into  a  forked  arrow;  after  which  he  was  to  advance 
against  Isfendiyar,  and,  placing  the  arrow  on  his  bow-string, 
shoot  it  into  the  eyes  of  his  enemy.  "  The  arrow  will  only 
VOL.  I. — 20 


3o6  FIRDUSI 

make  him  blind,"  said  the  Simurgh,  "  but  he  who  spills  the 
blood  of  Isfendiyar  will  never  be  free  from  calamity  during 
his  whole  life.  The  Kazu-tree  has  also  this  peculiar  quality: 
an  arrow  made  of  it  is  sure  to  accomplish  its  intended  errand — 
it  never  misses  the  aim  of  the  archer."  Rustem  expressed  his 
boundless  gratitude  for  this  information  and  assistance;  and 
the  Simurgh  having  transported  him  back  to  his  tent,  and 
affectionately  kissed  his  face,  returned  to  her  own  habitation. 
The  champion  now  prepared  the  arrow  according  to  the  in- 
structions he  had  received ;  and  when  morning  dawned, 
mounted  his  horse,  and  hastened  to  the  field.  He  found 
Isfendiyar  still  sleeping,  and  exclaimed  aloud :  "  Warrior,  art 
thou  still  slumbering?  Rise,  and  see  Rustem  before  thee !  " 
When  the  prince  heard  his  stern  voice,  he  started  up,  and  in 
great  anxiety  hurried  on  his  armor.  He  said  to  Bashutan, 
"  I  had  uncharitably  thought  he  would  have  died  of  his 
wounds  in  the  night,  but  this  clear  and  bold  voice  seems  to 
indicate  perfect  health — go  and  see  whether  his  wounds  are 
bound  up  or  not,  and  whether  he  is  mounted  on  Rakush  or  on 
some  other  horse."  Rustem  perceived  Bashutan  approach  with 
an  inquisitive  look,  and  conjectured  that  his  object  was  to 
ascertain  the  condition  of  himself  and  Rakush.  He  therefore 
vociferated  to  him :  "  I  am  now  wholly  free  from  wounds,  and 
so  is  my  horse,  for  I  possess  an  elixir  which  heals  the  most  cruel 
lacerations  of  the  flesh  the  moment  it  is  applied ;  but  no  such 
wounds  were  inflicted  upon  me,  the  arrows  of  Isfendiyar  being- 
only  like  needles  sticking  in  my  body."  Bashutan  now  re- 
ported to  his  brother  that  Rustem  appeared  to  be  more  fresh 
and  vigorous  than  the  day  before,  and,  thinking  from  the  spirit 
and  gallantry  of  his  demeanor  that  he  would  be  victorious  in 
another  contest,  he  strongly  recommended  a  reconciliation. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  307 


THE  DEATH   OF  ISFENDIYAR 

ISFENDIYAR,  blind  to  the  march  of  fate,  treated  the  sug- 
gestion of  his  brother  with  scorn,  and  mounting  his  horse, 
was  soon  in  the  presence  of  Rustem,  whom  he  thus  hastily 
addressed :     "  Yesterday  thou  wert  wounded  almost  to  death 
by  my  arrows,  and  to-day  there  is  no  trace  of  them.    How  is 
this  ? 

But  thy  father  Zal  is  a  sorcerer, 

And  he  by  charm  and  spell 
Has  cured  all  the  wounds  of  the  warrior, 

And  now  he  is  safe  and  well. 
For  the  wounds  I  gave  could  never  be 
Closed  up,  excepting  by  sorcery. 
Yes,  the  wounds  I  gave  thee  in  every  part, 
Could  never  be  cured  but  by  magic  art." 

Rustem  replied,  "  If  a  thousand  arrows  were  shot  at  me,  they 
would  all  drop  harmless  to  the  ground,  and  in  the  end  thou 
wilt  fall  by  my  hands.  Therefore,  if  thou  seekest  thy  own  wel- 
fare, come  at  once  and  be  my  guest,  and  I  swear  by  the  Al- 
mighty, by  Zerdusht,  and  the  Zendavesta,  by  the  sun  and  moon, 
that  I  will  go  with  thee,  but  unfetterd,  to  thy  father,  who  may 
do  with  me  what  he  lists." — "  That  is  not  enough,"  replied 
Isfendiyar,  "  thou  must  be  fettered." — "  Then  do  not  bind  my 
arms,  and  take  whatever  thou  wilt  from  me." — "  And  what  hast 
thou  to  give  ?  " 

"  A  thousand  jewels  of  brilliant  hue, 

And  of  unknown  price,  shall  be  thine; 
A  thousand  imperial  diadems  too, 

And  a  thousand  damsels  divine, 
Who  with  angel-voices  will  sing  and  play, 
And  delight  thy  senses  both  night  and  day; 
And  my  family  wealth  shall  be  brought  thee,  all 
That  was  gathered  by  Nariman,  Sam,  and  Zal." 

"  This  is  all  in  vain,"  said  Isfendiyar.  "  I  may  have  wandered 
from  the  way  of  Heaven,  but  I  will  not  disobey  the  commands 
of  the  king.  And  of  what  use  would  thy  treasure  and  property 
be  to  me  ?  I  must  please  my  father,  that  he  may  surrender  to 
me  his  crown  and  throne,  and  I  have  solemnly  sworn  to  him 


3o8  FIRDUSI 

that  I  will  place  thee  before  him  in  fetters."  Rustem  replied, 
"  And  in  the  hopes  of  a  crown  and  throne  thou  wouldst  sacrifice 
thyself !  " — "  Thou  shalt  see !  "  said  Isfendiyar,  and  seized  his 
bow  to  commence  the  combat.  Rustem  did  the  same,  and  when 
he  had  placed  the  forked  arrow  in  the  bow-string,  he  implor- 
ingly turned  up  his  face  towards  Heaven,  and  fervently  ex- 
claimed, "  O  God,  thou  knowest  how  anxiously  I  have  wished 
for  a  reconciliation,  how  I  have  suffered,  and  that  I  would  now 
give  all  my  treasures  and  wealth  and  go  with  him  to  Iran,  to 
avoid  this  conflict ;  but  my  offers  are  disdained,  for  he  is  bent 
upon  consigning  me  to  bondage  and  disgrace.  Thou  art  the  re- 
dresser  of  grievances — direct  the  flight  of  this  arrow  into  his 
eyes,  but  do  not  let  me  be  punished  for  the  involuntary  deed." 
At  this  moment  Isfendiyar  shot  an  arrow  with  great  force  at 
Rustem,  who  dexterously  eluded  its  point,  and  then,  in  return, 
instantly  lodged  the  charmed  weapon  in  the  eyes  of  his  antag- 
onist. 

And  darkness  overspread  his  sight, 

The  world  to  him  was  hid  in  night; 

The  bow  dropped  from  his  slackened  hand, 

And  down  he  sunk  upon  the  sand. 

"  Yesterday,"  said  Rustem,  "  thou  discharged  at  me  a  hun- 
dred and  sixty  arrows  in  vain,  and  now  thou  art  overthrown  by 
one  arrow  of  mine."  Bahman,  the  son  of  Isfendiyar,  seeing  his 
father  bleeding  on  the  ground,  uttered  loud  lamentations,  and 
Bashutan,  followed  by  the  Iranian  troops,  also  drew  nigh  with 
the  deepest  sorrow  marked  on  their  countenances.  The  fatal 
arrow  was  immediately  drawn  from  the  wounded  eyes  of  the 
prince,  and  some  medicine  being  first  applied  to  them,  they 
conveyed  him  mournfully  to  his  own  tent.  • 

The  conflict  having  thus  terminated,  Rustem  at  the  same 
time  returned  with  his  army  to  where  Zal  remained  in  anxious 
suspense  about  the  result.  The  old  man  rejoiced  at  the  issue, 
but  said,  "  O,  my  son,  thou  hast  killed  thy  enemy,  but  I  have 
learnt  from  the  wise  men  and  astrologers  that  the  slayer  of 
Isfendiyar  must  soon  come  to  a  fatal  end.  May  God  protect 
thee ! "  Rustem  replied,  "  I  am  guiltless,  his  blood  is  upon 
his  own  head."  The  next  day  they  both  proceeded  to  visit 
Isfendiyar,  and  offer  to  him  their  sympathy  and  condolence, 
when  the  wounded  prince  thus  spoke  to  Rustem :  "  I  do  not 
ascribe  my  misfortune  to  thee,  but  to  an  all-ruling  power. 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  309 

Fate  would  have  it  so,  and  thus  it  is !  I  now  consign  to  thy 
care  and  guardianship  my  son  Bahman:  instruct  him  in  the 
science  of  government,  the  customs  of  kings,  and  the  rules  and 
stratagems  of  the  warrior,  for  thou  art  exceedingly  wise  and 
experienced,  and  perfect  in  all  things."  Rustem  readily  com- 
plied, and  said : — 

"  That  duty  shall  be  mine  alone, 
To  seat  him  firmly  on  the  throne." 

Then  Isfendiyar  murmured  to  Bashutan,  that  the  anguish  of 
his  wound  was  wearing  him  away,  and  that  he  had  but  a  short 
time  to  live. 

"  The  pace  of  death  is  fast  and  fleet, 

And  nothing  my  life  can  save, 
I  shall  want  no  robe,  but  my  winding  sheet, 
No  mansion  but  the  grave. 

"  And  tell  my  father  the  wish  of  his  heart 

Has  not  been  breathed  in  vain, 
The  doom  he  desired  when  he  made  me  depart, 
Has  been  sealed,  and  his  son  is  slain! 

"  And,  O!  to  my  mother,  in  kindliest  tone, 

The  mournful  tidings  bear, 
And  soothe  her  woes  for  her  warrior  gone, 
For  her  lost  Isfendiyar." 

He  now  groaned  heavily,  and  his  last  words  were : — 

"  I  die,  pursued  by  unrelenting  fate, 
The  hapless  victim  of  a  father's  hate." 

Life  having  departed,  his  body  was  placed  upon  a  bier,  and 
conveyed  to  Iran,  amidst  the  tears  and  lamentations  of  the 
people. 

Rustem  now  took  charge  of  Bahman,  according  to  the  dying 
request  of  Isfendiyar,  and  brought  him  to  Sistan.  This  was, 
however,  repugnant  to  the  wishes  of  Zuara,  who  observed  to  his 
brother :  "  Thou  hast  slain  the  father  of  this  youth ;  do  not 
therefore  nurture  and  instruct  the  son  of  thy  enemy,  for,  mark 
me,  in  the  end  he  will  be  avenged." — "  But  did  not  Isfendiyar, 
with  his  last  breath,  consign  him  to  my  guardianship  ?  how  can 
I  refuse  it  now  ?  It  must  be  so  written  and  determined  in  the 
dispensations  of  Heaven." 


3  io  FIRDUSI 

The  arrival  of  the  bier  in  Persia,  at  the  palace  of  Gushtasp, 
produced  a  melancholy  scene  of  public  and  domestic  affliction. 
The  king  took  off  the  covering  and  wept  bitterly,  and  the 
mother  and  sisters  exclaimed,  "  Alas !  thy  death  is  not  the 
work  of  human  hands ;  it  is  not  the  work  of  Rustem,  nor  of  Zal, 
but  of  the  Simurgh.  Thou  hast  not  lived  long  enough  to  be 
ashamed  of  a  gray  beard,  nor  to  witness  the  maturity  and 
attainments  of  thy  children.  Alas !  thou  art  snatched  away  at 
a  moment  of  the  highest  promise,  even  at  the  commencement 
of  thy  glory."  In  the  meanwhile  the  curses  and  imprecations 
of  the  people  were  poured  upon  the  devoted  head  of  Gushtasp 
on  account  of  his  cruel  and  unnatural  conduct,  so  that  he  was 
obliged  to  confine  himself  to  his  palace  till  after  the  interment 
of  Isfendiyar. 

Rustem  scrupulously  fulfilled  his  engagement,  and  instructed 
Bahman  in  all  manly  exercises ;  in  the  use  of  bow  and  javelin, 
in  the  management  of  sword  and  buckler,  and  in  all  the  arts 
and  accomplishments  of  the  warrior.  He  then  wrote  to  Gush- 
tasp, repeating  that  he  was  unblamable  in  the  conflict  which 
terminated  in  the  death  of  his  son  Isfendiyar,  that  he  had 
offered  him  presents  and  wealth  to  a  vast  extent,  and  moreover 
was  ready  to  return  with  him  to  Iran,  to  his  father ;  but  every 
overture  was  rejected.  Relentless  fate  must  have  hurried  him 
on  to  a  premature  death.  "  I  have  now,"  continued  Rustem, 
"  completed  the  education  of  Bahman,  according  to  the  direc- 
tions of  his  father,  and  await  thy  further  commands."  Gush- 
tasp, after  reading  this  letter,  referred  to  Bashutan,  who  con- 
firmed the  declarations  of  Rustem,  and  the  treacherous  king, 
willing  to  ascribe  the  event  to  an  overruling  destiny,  readily 
acquitted  Rustem  of  all  guilt  in  killing  Jsfendiyar.  At  the 
same  time  he  sent  for  Bahman,  and  on  his  arrival  from  Sistan, 
was  so  pleased  with  him  that  he  without  hesitation  appointed 
him  to  succeed  to  the  throne. 

"  Methinks  I  see  Isfendiyar  again, 

Thou  hast  the  form,  the  very  look  he  bore, 
And  since  thy  glorious  father  is  no  more, 
Long  as  I  live  thou  must  with  me  remain." 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  311 


THE   DEATH   OF   RUSTEM 

FIRDUSI  seems  to  have  derived  the  account  of  Shug- 
had,  and  the  melancholy  fate  of  Rustem,  from  a  de- 
scendant of  Sam  and  Nariman,  who  was  particularly 
acquainted  with  the  chronicles  of  the  heroes  and  the  kings  of 
Persia.    Shughad,  it  appears,  was  the  son  of  Zal,  by  one  of  the 
old  warrior's  maid-servants,  and  at  his  very  birth  the  astrologers 
predicted  that  he  would  be  the  ruin  of  the  glorious  house  of 
Sam  and  Nariman,  and  the  destruction»of  their  race. 

Throughout  Sistan  the  prophecy  was  heard 
With  horror  and  amazement;  every  town 
And  city  in  Iran  was  full  of  woe, 
And  Zal,  in  deepest  agony  and  grief, 
Sent  up  his  prayers  to  the  Almighty  Power 
That  he  would  purify  the  infant's  heart, 
And  free  it  from  that  quality,  foretold 
As  the  destroyer  of  his  ancient  house. 
But  what  are  prayers,  opposed  by  destiny? 

The  child,  notwithstanding,  was  brought  up  with  great  care 
and  attention,  and  when  arrived  at  maturity,  he  was  sent  to  the 
king  of  Kabul,  whose  daughter  he  espoused. 

Rustem  was  accustomed  to  go  to  Kabul  every  year  to  receive 
the  tribute  due  to  him ;  but  on  the  last  occasion,  it  is  said  that 
he  exacted  and  took  a  higher  rate  than  usual,  and  thus  put 
many  of  the  people  to  distress.  The  king  was  angry,  and  ex* 
pressed  his  dissatisfaction  to  Shughad,  who  was  not  slow  in 
uttering  his  own  discontent,  saying,  "  Though  I  am  his  brother, 
he  has  no  respect  for  me,  but  treats  me  always  like  an  enemy. 
For  this  personal  hostility  I  long  to  punish  him  with  death." — 
"  But  how,"  inquired  the  king,  "  couldst  thou  compass  that 
end  ?  "  Shughad  replied,  "  I  have  well  considered  the  subject, 
and  propose  to  accomplish  my  purpose  in  this  manner.  I  shall 
feign  that  I  have  been  insulted  and  injured  by  thee,  and  carry 
my  complaint  to  Zal  and  Rustem,  who  will  no  doubt  come  to 
Kabul  to  redress  my  wrongs.  Thou  must  in  the  meantime 
prepare  for  a  sporting  excursion,  and  order  a  number  of  pits  to 
be  dug  on  the  road  sufficiently  large  to  hold  Rustem  and  his 


3i2  FIRDUSI 

horse,  and  in  each  several  swords  must  be  placed  with  their 
points  and  edges  upwards.  The  mouths  of  the  pits  must  then 
be  slightly  covered  over,  but  so  carefully  that  there  may  be  no 
appearance  of  the  earth  underneath  having  been  removed. 
Everything  being  thus  ready,  Rustem,  on  the  pretence  of  going 
to  the  sporting  ground,  must  be  conducted  by  that  road,  and  he 
will  certainly  fall  into  one  of  the  pits,  which  will  become  his 
grave."  This  stratagem  was  highly  approved  by  the  king,  and 
it  was  agreed  that  at  a  royal  banquet,  Shughad  should  revile 
and  irritate  the  king,  whose  indignant  answer  should  be  before 
all  the  assembly :  "  Thou  hast  no  pretensions  to  be  thought  of 
the  stock  of  Sam  and  Nariman.  Zal  pays  thee  no  attention,  at 
least,  not  such  attention  as  he  would  pay  to  a  son,  and  Rustem 
declares  thou  art  not  his  brother;  indeed,  all  the  family  treat 
thee  as  a  slave."  At  these  words,  Shughad  affected  to  be 
greatly  enraged,  and,  starting  up  from  the  banquet,  hastened 
to  Rustem  to  complain  of  the  insult  offered  him  by  the  king  of 
Kabul.  Rustem  received  him  with  demonstrations  of  affection, 
and  hearing  his  complaint,  declared  that  he  would  immediately 
proceed  to  Kabul,  depose  the  king  for  his  insolence,  and  place 
Shughad  himself  on  the  throne  of  that  country.  In  a  short 
time  they  arrived  at  the  city,  and  were  met  by  the  king,  who, 
with  naked  feet  and  in  humble  guise,  solicited  forgiveness. 
Rustem  was  induced  to  pardon  the  offence,  and  was  honored 
in  return  with  great  apparent  respect,  and  with  boundless  hos- 
pitality. In  the  meantime,  however,  the  pits  were  dug,  and 
the  work  of  destruction  in  progress,  and  Rustem  was  now 
invited  to  share  the  sports  of  the  forest.  The  champion  was 
highly  gratified  by  the  courtesy  which  the  king  displayed,  and 
mounted  Rakush,  anticipating  a  day  of  excellent  diversion. 
Shughad  accompanied  him,  keeping  on  one  "side,  whilst  Rus- 
tem, suspecting  nothing,  rode  boldly  forward.  Suddenly  Ra- 
kush stopped,  and  though  urged  to  advance,  refused  to  move  a 
step.  At  last  the  champion  became  angry,  and  struck  the  noble 
animal  severely;  the  blows  made  him  dart  forward,  and  in  a 
moment  he  unfortunately  fell  into  one  of  the  pits. 

It  was  a  place,  deep,  dark,  and  perilous, 

All  bristled  o'er  with  swords,  leaving  no  chance 

Of  extrication  without  cruel  wounds; 

And  horse  and  rider  sinking  in  the  midst, 

Bore  many  a  grievous  stab  and  many  a  cut 


THE    SHA*H    NAMEH  313 

In  limb  and  body,  ghastly  to  the  sight. 

Yet  from  that  depth,  at  one  prodigious  spring, 

Rakush  escaped  with  Rustem  on  his  back; 

But  what  availed  that  effort?    Down  again 

Into  another  pit  both  fell  together, 

And  yet  again  they  rose,  again,  again; 

Seven  times  down  prostrate,  seven  times  bruised  and  maimed, 

They  struggled  on,  till  mounting  up  the  edge 

Of  the  seventh  pit,  all  covered  with  deep  wounds, 

Both  lay  exhausted.    When  the  champion's  brain 

Grew  cool,  and  he  had  power  to  think,  he  knew 

Full  well  to  whom  he  owed  this  treachery, 

And  calling  to  Shughad,  said:   "  Thou,  my  brother! 

Why  hast  thou  done  this  wrong?    Was  it  for  thee, 

My  father's  son,  by  wicked  plot  and  fraud 

To  work  this  ruin,  to  destroy  my  life?  " 

Shughad  thus  sternly  answered:   "  'Tis  for  all 

The  blood  that  thou  hast  shed,  God  has  decreed 

This  awful  vengeance — now  thy  time  is  come!  " 

Then  spoke  the  king  of  Kabul,  as  if  pity 

Had  softened  his  false  heart:  "  Alas!   the  day 

That  thou  shouldst  perish,  so  ignobly  too, 

And  in  my  kingdom;   what  a  wretched  fate! 

But  bring  some  medicine  to  relieve  his  wounds — 

Quick,  bring  the  matchless  balm  for  Rustem's  cure; 

He  must  not  die,  the  champion  must  not  die!  " 

But  Rustem  scorned  the  offer,  and  in  wrath, 

Thus  spoke:  "  How  many  a  mighty  king  has  died, 

And  left  me  still  triumphant — still  in  power, 

Unconquerable;  treacherous  thou  hast  been, 

Inhuman,  too,  but  Feramurz,  the  brave, 

Will  be  revenged  upon  thee  for  this  crime." 

Rustem  now  turned  towards  Shughad,  and  in  an  altered  and 
mournful  tone,  told  him  that  he  was  at  the  point  of  death,  and 
asked  him  to  string  his  bow  and  give  it  to  him,  that  he  might 
seem  as  a  scare-crow,  to  prevent  the  wolves  and  other  wild 
animals  from  devouring  him  when  dead. 

Shughad  performed  the  task,  and  lingered  not, 

For  he  rejoiced  at  this  catastrophe, 

And  with  a  smile  of  fiendish  satisfaction, 

Placed  the  strong  bow  before  him — Rustem  grasped 

The  bended  horn  with  such  an  eager  hand, 

That  wondering  at  the  sight,  the  caitiff  wretch 

Shuddered  with  terror,  and  behind  a  tree 

Shielded  himself,  but  nothing  could  avail; 

The  arrow  pierced  both  tree  and  him,  and  they 

Were  thus  transfixed  together — thus  the  hour 


3i4  FIRDUSI 

Of  death  afforded  one  bright  gleam  of  joy 

To  Rustem,  who,  with  lifted  eyes  to  Heaven, 

Exclaimed:  "  Thanksgivings  to  the  great  Creator, 

For  granting  me  the  power,  with  my  own  hand, 

To  be  revenged  upon  my  murderer!  " 

So  saying,  the  great  champion  breathed  his  last, 

And  not  a  knightly  follower  remained, 

Zuara,  and  the  rest,  in  other  pits, 

Dug  by  the  traitor-king,  and  traitor-brother, 

Had  sunk  and  perished,  all,  save  one,  who  fled, 

And  to  the  afflicted  veteran  at  Sistan 

Told  the  sad  tidings.     Zal,  in  agony, 

Tore  his  white  hair,  and  wildly  rent  his  garments, 

And  cried:  "Why  did  not  I  die  for  him,  why 

Was  I  not  present,  fighting  by  his  side? 

But  he,  alas!  is  gone!     Oh!  gone  forever." 

Then  the  old  man  despatched  Feramurz  with  a  numerous 
force  to  Kabul,  to  bring  away  the  dead  body  of  Rustem.  Upon 
his  approach,  the  king  of  Kabul  and  his  army  retired  to  the 
mountains,  and  Feramurz  laid  waste  the  country.  He  found 
only  the  skeletons  of  Rustem  and  Zuara,  the  beasts  of  prey 
having  stripped  them  of  their  flesh :  he  however  gathered  the 
bones  together  and  conveyed  them  home  and  buried  them, 
amidst  the  lamentations  of  the  people.  After  that,  he  returned 
to  Kabul  with  his  army,  and  encountered  the  king,  captured  the 
cruel  wretch,  and  carried  him  to  Sistan,  where  he  was  put  to 
death. 

Gushtasp  having  become  old  and  infirm,  bequeathed  his 
empire  to  Bahman,  and  then  died.  He  reigned  one  hundred 
and  eight  years. 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  315 


BAHMAN 

BAHMAN,  the  grandson  of  Gushtasp>  having  at  the 
commencement  of  his  sovereignty  obtained  the  appro- 
bation of  his  people,  by  the  clemency  of  his  conduct 
and  the  apparent  generosity  of  his  disposition,  was  not  long  in 
meditating  vindictive  measures  against  the  family  of  Rustem. 
"  Did  not  Kai-khosrau,"  said  he  to  his  warriors,  "  revenge  him- 
self on  Afrasiyab  for  the  murder  of  Saiawush ;  and  have  not  all 
my  glorious  ancestors  pursued  a  similar  course?  Why,  then, 
should  not  I  be  revenged  on  the  father  of  Rustem  for  the  death 
of  Isfendiyar  ?  "  The  warriors,  as  usual,  approved  of  the  king's 
resolution,  and  in  consequence  one  hundred  thousand  veteran 
troops  were  assembled  for  the  immediate  invasion  of  Sistan. 
When  Bahman  had  arrived  on  the  borders  of  the  river  Beher- 
mund,  he  sent  a  message  to  Zal,  frankly  declaring  his  purpose, 
and  that  he  must  sacrifice  the  lives  of  himself  and  all  his  family 
as  an  atonement  for  Rustem's  guilt  in  shedding  the  blood  of 
Isfendiyar. 

Zal  heard  his  menace  with  astonishment, 

Mingled  with  anguish,  and  he  thus  replied: 

"  Rustem  was  not  in  fault;  and  thou  canst  tell, 

For  thou  wert  present,  how  he  wept,  and  prayed 

That  he  might  not  be  bound.    How  frequently 

He  offered  all  his  wealth,  his  gold,  and  gems, 

To  be  excused  that  ignominious  thrall; 

And  would  have  followed  thy  impatient  father 

To  wait  upon  Gushtasp;   but  this  was  scorned; 

Nothing  but  bonds  would  satisfy  his  pride; 

All  this  thou  know'st.    Then  did  not  I  and  Rustem 

Strictly  fulfil  Isfendiyar's  commands, 

And  most  assiduously  endow  thy  mind 

With  all  the  skill  and  virtues  of  a  hero, 

That  might  deserve  some  kindness  in  return? 

Now  take  my  house,  my  treasure,  my  possessions, 

Take  all;  but  spare  my  family  and  me." 

The  messenger  went  back,  and  told  the  tale 
Of  Zal's  deep  grief  with  such  persuasive  grace, 
And  piteous  accent,  that  the  heart  of  Bahman 
Softened  at  every  word,  and  the  old  man 
Was  not  to  suffer.     After  that  was  known, 
With  gorgeous  presents  Zal  went  forth  to  meet 


3i6  FIRDUSI 

The  monarch  in  his  progress  to  the  city; 
And  having  prostrated  himself  in  low 
Humility,  retired  among  the  train 
Attendant  on  the  king.    "Thou  must  not  walk," 
Bahman  exclaimed,  well  skilled  in  all  the  arts 
Of  smooth  hypocrisy — "  thou  art  too  weak; 
Remount  thy  horse,  for  thou  requirest  help." 
But  Zal  declined  the  honour,  and  preferred 
Doing  that  homage  as  illustrious  Sam, 
His  conquering  ancestor,  had  always  done, 
Barefoot,  in  presence  of  the  royal  race. 

Fast  moving  onwards,  Bahman  soon  approached 
Sistan,  and  entered  Zal's  superb  abode; 
Not  as  a  friend,  or  a  forgiving  foe, 
But  with  a  spirit  unappeased,  unsoothed; 
True,  he  had  spared  the  old  man's  life,  but  there 
His  mercy  stopped;  all  else  was  confiscate, 
For  every  room  was  plundered,  all  the  treasure 
Seized  and  devoted  to  the  tyrant's  use. 

After  remorselessly  obtaining  this  booty,  Bahman  inquired 
what  had  become  of  Feramurz,  and  Zal  pretended  that,  un- 
aware of  the  king's  approach,  he  had  gone  a-hunting.  But 
this  excuse  was  easily  seen  through,  and  the  king  was  so 
indignant  on  the  occasion,  that  he  put  Zal  himself  in  fetters. 
Feramurz  had,  in  fact,  secretly  retired  with  the  Zabul  army  to 
a  convenient  distance,  for  the  purpose  of  acting  as  necessity 
might  require,  and  when  he  heard  that  Zal  was  placed  in  con- 
finement, he  immediately  marched  against  the  invader  and 
oppressor  of  his  country.  Both  armies  met,  and  closed,  and 
were  in  desperate  conflict  three  long  days  and  nights.  On  the 
fourth  day,  a  tremendous  hurricane  arose,  which  blew  thick 
clouds  of  dust  in  the  face  of  the  Zabul  army,  and  blinding 
them,  impeded  their  progress,  whilst  the  enemy  were  driven 
furiously  forward  by  the  strong  wind  at  their  backs.  The 
consequence  was  the  defeat  of  the  Zabul  troops.  Feramurz, 
with  a  few  companions,  however,  kept  his  ground,  though 
assailed  by  showers  of  arrows.  He  tried  repeatedly  to  get  face 
to  face  with  Bahman,  but  every  effort  was  fruitless,  and  he  felt 
convinced  that  his  career  was  now  nearly  at  an  end.  He 
bravely  defended  himself,  and  aimed  his  arrows  with  great 
precision;  but  what  is  the  use  of  art  when  Fortune  is  un- 
favorable ? 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  317 

When  Fate's  dark  clouds  portentous  lower, 

And  quench  the  light  of  day, 
No  effort,  none,  of  human  power, 

Can  chase  the  gloom  away. 
Arrows  may  fly  a  countless  shower, 

Amidst  the  desperate  fray; 
But  not  to  sword  or  arrow  death  is  given, 
Unless  decreed  by  favouring  Heaven. 

And  it  was  so  decreed  that  the  exertions  of  Feramurz  should 
be  unsuccessful.  His  horse  fell,  he  was  wounded  severely,  and 
whilst  insensible,  the  enemy  secured  and  conveyed  him  in 
fetters  to  Bahman,  who  immediately  ordered  him  to  be  hanged. 
The  king  then  directed  all  the  people  of  Sistan  to  be  put  to  the 
sword ;  upon  which  Bashiitan  said :  "  Alas !  why  should  the 
innocent  and  unoffending  people  be  thus  made  to  perish? 
Hast  thou  no  fear  of  God?  Thou  hast  taken  vengeance  for 
thy  father,  by  slaying  Feramurz,  the  son  of  Rustem.  Is  not 
that  enough?  Be  merciful  and  beneficent  now  to  the  people, 
and  thank  Heaven  for  the  great  victory  thou  hast  gained." 
Bahman  was  thus  withdrawn  from  his  wicked  purpose,  and  was 
also  induced  to  liberate  Zal,  whose  age  and  infirmities  had 
rendered  him  perfectly  harmless  He  not  only  did  this,  but 
restored  to  him  the  possession  of  Sistan ;  and  divesting  himself 
of  all  further  revenge,  returned  to  Persia.  There  he  continued 
to  exercise  the  functions  of  royalty,  till  one  day  he  happened  to 
be  bitten  by  a  snake,  whose  venom  was  so  excruciating,  that 
remedies  were  of  no  avail,  and  he  died  of  the  wound,  in  the 
eighth  year  of  his  reign.  Although  he  had  a  son  named 
Sassan,  he  did  not  appoint  him  his  successor;  but  gave  the 
crown  and  the  throne  to  his  wife,  Humai,  whom  he  had  married 
a  short  time  before  his  death,  saying :  "  If  Humai  should  have 
a  son,  that  son  shall  be  my  successor ;  but  if  a  daughter,  Humai 
must  continue  to  reign." 


3iS  FIRDUSI 


HUMAI   AND  THE  BIRTH   OF   DARAB 

WISDOM  and  generosity  were  said  to  have  marked  the 
government  of  Humai.  In  justice  and  beneficence 
she  was  unequalled.  No  misfortune  happened  in  her 
days :  even  the  poor  and  the  needy  became  rich.  She  gave  birth 
to  a  son,  whom  she  entrusted  to  a  nurse  to  be  brought  up 
secretly,  and  declared  publicly  that  it  had  died  the  same  day  it 
was  born.  At  this  event  the  people  rejoiced,  for  they  were 
happy  under  the  administration  of  Humai.  Upon  the  boy  at- 
taining his  seventh  month,  however,  the  queen  sent  for  him,  and 
wrapping  him  up  in  rich  garments,  put  him  in  a  box,  and  when 
she  had  fastened  down  the  cover,  gave  it  to  two  confidential 
servants,  in  the  middle  of  the  night,  to  be  flung  into  the 
Euphrates.  "  For,"  thought  she,  "  if  he  be  found  in  the  city, 
there  will  be  an  end  to  my  authority,  and  the  crown  will  be 
placed  upon  his  head ;  wiser,  therefore,  will  it  be  for  me  to  cast 
him  into  the  river ;  and  if  it  please  God  to  preserve  him,  he  may 
be  nurtured,  and  brought  up  in  another  country."  Accord- 
ingly in  the  darkness  of  night,  the  box  was  thrown  into  the 
Euphrates,  and  it  floated  rapidly  down  the  stream  for  some 
time  without  being  observed. 

Amidst  the  waters,  in  that  little  ark 
Was  launched  the  future  monarch.     But,  vain  mortal! 
How  bootless  are  thy  most  ingenious  schemes, 
Thy  wisest  projects!     Such  were  thine,  Humai! 
Presumptuous  as  thou  wert  to  think  success 
Would  crown  that  deed  unnatural  and  unjust.. 
But  human  passions,  human  expectations 
Are  happily  controlled  by  righteous  Heaven. 

In  the  morning  the  ark  was  noticed  by  a  washerman ;  who, 
curious  to  know  what  it  contained,  drew  it  to  the  shore,  and 
opened  the  lid.  Within  the  box  he  then  saw  splendid  silk- 
embroidered  scarfs  and  costly  raiment,  and  upon  them  a  lovely 
infant  asleep.  He  immediately  took  up  the  child,  and  carried 
it  to  his  wife,  saying :  "  It  was  but  yesterday  that  our  own 
infant  died,  and  now  the  Almighty  has  sent  thee  another  in  its 
place."  The  woman  looked  at  the  child  with  affection,  and 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  319 

taking-  it  in  her  arms  fed  it  with  her  own  milk.  In  the  box 
they  also  found  jewels  and  rubies,  and  they  congratulated  them- 
selves upon  being  at  length  blessed  by  Providence  with  wealth, 
and  a  boy  at  the  same  time.  They  called  him  Darab,  and  the 
child  soon  began  to  speak  in  the  language  of  his  foster-parents. 
The  washerman  and  his  wife,  for  fear  that  the  boy  and  the 
wealth  might  be  discovered,  thought  it  safest  to  quit  their 
home,  and  sojourn  in  another  country.  When  Darab  grew  up, 
he  was  more  skilful  and  accomplished,  and  more  expert  at 
wrestling  than  other  boys  of  a  greater  age.  But  whenever  the 
washerman  told  him  to  assist  in  washing  clothes,  he  always  ran 
away,  and  would  not  stoop  to  the  drudgery.  This  untoward 
behavior  grieved  the  washerman  exceedingly,  and  he  lamented 
that  God  had  given  him  so  useless  a  son,  not  knowing  that  he 
was  destined  to  be  the  sovereign  of  all  the  world. 

How  little  thought  he,  whilst  the  task  he  prest, 
A  purer  spirit  warmed  the  stripling's  breast, 
Whose  opening  soul,  by  kingly  pride  inspired, 
Disdained  the  toil  a  menial  slave  required; 
The  royal  branch  on  high  its  foliage  flung, 
And  showed  the  lofty  stem  from  which  it  sprung. 

Darab  was  now  sent  to  school,  and  he  soon  excelled  his 
master,  who  continually  said  to  the  washerman :  "  Thy  son  is 
of  wonderful  capacity,  acute  and  intelligent  beyond  his  years, 
of  an  enlarged  understanding,  and  will  be  at  least  the  minister 
of  a  king."  Darab  requested  to  have  another  master,  and  also 
a  fine  horse  of  Irak,  that  he  might  acquire  the  science  and 
accomplishments  of  a  warrior ;  but  the  washerman  replied  that 
he  was  too  poor  to  comply  with  his  wishes,  which  threw  the 
youth  into  despair,  so  that  he  did  not  touch  a  morsel  of  food 
for  two  days  together.  His  foster-mother,  deeply  affected  by 
his  disappointment,  and  naturally  anxious  to  gratify  his  desires, 
gave  an  article  of  value  to  the  washerman,  that  he  might  sell 
it,  and  with  the  money  purchase  the  horse  required.  The  horse 
obtained,  he  was  daily  instructed  in  the  art  of  using  the  bow,  the 
javelin,  and  the  sword,  and  in  every  exercise  becoming  a  young 
gentleman  and  a  warrior.  So  devouringly  did  he  persevere  in 
his  studies,  and  in  his  exertions  to  excel,  that  he  never  re- 
mained a  moment  unoccupied  at  home  or  abroad.  The  devel- 
opment of  his  talents  and  genius  suggested  to  him  an  inquiry 


320  FIRDUSI 

who  he  was,  and  how  he  came  into  the  house  of  a  washerman ; 
and  his  foster-mother,  in  compliance  with  his  entreaties,  de- 
scribed to  him  the  manner  in  which  he  was  found.  He  had  long 
been  miserable  at  the  thoughts  of  being  the  son  of  a  washer- 
man, but  now  he  rejoiced,  and  looked  upon  himself  as  the  son 
of  some  person  of  consideration.  He  asked  her  if  she  had 
anything  that  was  taken  out  of  the  box,  and  she  replied :  "  Two 
valuable  rubies  remain."  The  youth  requested  them  to  be 
brought  to  him ;  one  he  bound  round  his  arm,  and  the  other 
he  sold  to  pay  the  expenses  of  travelling  and  change  of  place. 
At  that  time,  it  is  said,  the  king  of  Rum  had  sent  an  army 
into  the  country  of  Iran.  Upon  receiving  this  information, 
Humai  told  her  general,  named  Rishhawad,  to  collect  a  force 
corresponding  with  the  emergency ;  and  he  issued  a  proclama- 
tion, inviting  all  young  men  desirous  of  military  glory  to  flock 
to  his  standard.  Darab  heard  this  proclamation  with  delight, 
and  among  others  hastened  to  Rishnawad,  who  presented  the 
young  warriors  as  they  arrived  successively  to  Humai.  The 
queen  steadfastly  marked  the  majestic  form  and  features  of 
Darab,  and  said  in  her  heart :  "  The  youth  who  bears  this 
dignified  and  royal  aspect,  appears  to  be  a  Kaianian  by  birth ;  " 
and  as  she  spoke,  the  instinctive  feeling  of  a  mother  seemed  to 
agitate  her  bosom. 

The  queen  beheld  his  form  and  face, 
The  scion  of  a  princely  race; 
And  natural  instinct  seemed  to  move 
Her  heart,  which  spoke  a  mother's  love; 
She  gazed,  but  like  the  lightning's  ray, 
That  sudden  thrill  soon  passed  away. 

The  army  was  now  in  motion.  After  the  first  march,  a 
tremendous  wind  and  heavy  rain  came  on,  and -all  the  soldiers 
were  under  tents,  excepting  Darab,  who  had  none,  and  was 
obliged  to  take  shelter  from  the  inclemency  of  the  weather 
beneath  an  archway,  where  he  laid  himself  down,  and  fell 
asleep.  Suddenly  a  supernatural  voice  was  heard,  saying: — 

"Arch!  stand  firm,  and  from  thy  wall 
Let  no  ruined  fragment  fall! 
He  who  sleeps  beneath  is  one 
Destined  to  a  royal  throne. 
Arch!   a  monarch  claims  thy  care, 
The  king  of  Persia  slumbers  there!  " 


THE   SHAH    NAMEH  321 

The  voice  was  heard  by  every  one  near,  and  Rishnawad 
having  also  heard  it,  inquired  of  his  people  from  whence  it 
came.  As  he  spoke,  the  voice  repeated  its  caution : — 

"  Arch !  stand  firm,  and  from  thy  wall 
Let  no  ruined  fragment  fall ! 
Bahman's  son  is  in  thy  keeping; 
He  beneath  thy  roof  is  sleeping. 
Though  the  winds  are  loudly  roaring, 
And  the  rain  in  torrents  pouring, 
Arch!   stand  firm,  and  from  thy  wall 
Let  no  loosened  fragment  fall." 

Again  Rishnawad  sent  other  persons  to  ascertain  from 
whence  the  voice  proceeded ;  and  they  returned,  saying,  that 
it  was  not  of  the  earth,  but  from  Heaven.  Again  the  caution 
sounded  in  his  ears  : — 

"Arch!  stand  firm,  and  from  thy  wall 
Let  no  loosened  fragment  fall." 

And  his  amazement  increased.  He  now  sent  a  person  under 
the  archway  to  see  if  any  one  was  there,  when  the  youth  was 
discovered  in  deep  sleep  upon  the  ground,  and  the  arch  above 
him  rent  and  broken  in  many  parts.  Rishnawad  being 
apprised  of  this  circumstance,  desired  that  he  might  be  awak- 
ened and  brought  to  him.  The  moment  he  was  removed,  the 
whole  of  the  arch  fell  down  with  a  dreadful  crash,  and  this  won- 
derful escape  was  also  communicated  to  the  leader  of  the  army, 
who  by  a  strict  and  particular  enquiry  soon  became  acquainted 
with  all  the  occurrences  of  the  stranger's  life.  Rishnawad  also 
summoned  before  him  the  washerman  and  his  wife,  and  they 
corroborated  the  story  he  had  been  told.  Indeed  he  himself 
recognized  the  ruby  on  Darab 's  arm,  which  convinced  him  that 
he  was  the  son  of  Bahman,  whom  Humai  caused  to  be  thrown 
into  the  Euphrates.  Thus  satisfied  of  his  identity,  he  treated 
him  with  great  honor,  placed  him  on  his  right  hand,  and  ap- 
pointed him  to  a  high  command  in  the  army.  Soon  afterwards 
an  engagement  took  place  with  the  Rumis,  and  Darab  in  the 
advanced  guard  performed  prodigies  of  valor.  The  battle  lasted 
all  day,  and  in  the  evening  Rishnawad  bestowed  upon  him  the 
praise  which  he  merited.  Next  day  the  army  was  again  pre- 
pared for  battle,  when  Darab  proposed  that  the  leader  should 
remain  quiet,  whilst  he  with  a  chosen  band  of  soldiers  attacked 
VOL.  I.— 21 


322 


FIRDUSI 


the  whole  force  of  the  enemy.    The  proposal  being  agreed  to, 
he  advanced  with  fearless  impetuosity  to  the  contest. 

With  loosened  rein  he  rushed  along  the  field, 

And  through  opposing  numbers  hewed  his  path, 

Then  pierced  the  Kulub-gah,  the  centre-host, 

Where  many  a  warrior  brave,  renowned  in  arms, 

Fell  by  his  sword.     Like  sheep  before  a  wolf 

The  harassed  Rumis  fled;  for  none  had  power 

To  cope  with  his  strong  arm.     His  wondrous  might 

Alone,  subdued  the  legions  right  and  left; 

And  when,  unwearied,  he  had  fought  his  way 

To  where  great  Kaisar  stood,  night  came,  and  darkness, 

Shielding  the  trembling  emperor  of  Rum, 

Snatched  the  expected  triumph  from  his  hands. 

Rishnawad  was  so  filled  with  admiration  at  his  splendid 
prowess,  that  he  now  offered  him  the  most  magnificent  pres- 
ents ;  but  when  they  were  exposed  to  his  view,  a  suit  of  armor 
was  the  only  thing  he  would  accept. 

The  Rumis  were  entirely  disheartened  by  his  valor,  and 
they  said :  "  We  understood  that  the  sovereign  of  Persia  was 
only  a  woman,  and  that  the  conquest  of  the  empire  would  be 
no  difficult  task ;  but  this  woman  seems  to  be  more  fortunate 
than  a  warrior-king.  Even  her  general  remains  inactive  with 
the  great  body  of  his  army ;  and  a  youth,  with  a  small  force,  is 
sufficient  to  subdue  the  legions  of  Rum ;  we  had,  therefore, 
better  return  to  our  own  country."  The  principal  warriors 
entertained  the  same  sentiments,  and  suggested  to  Kaisar  the 
necessity  of  retiring  from  the  field ;  but  the  king  opposed  this 
measure,  thinking  it  cowardly  and  disgraceful,  and  said: — 

"  To-morrow  we  renew  the  fight, 
To-morrow  we  shall  try  our  might; 
To-morrow,  with  the  smiles  of  Heaven, 
To  us  the  victory  will  be  given." 

Accordingly  on  the  following  day  the  armies  met  again,  and 
after  a  sanguinary  struggle,  the  Persians  were  again  trium- 
phant. Kaisar  now  despaired  of  success,  sent  a  messenger  to 
Rishnawad,  in  which  he  acknowledged  the  aggressions  he  had 
committed,  and  offered  to  pay  him  whatever  tribute  he  might 
require.  Rishnawad  readily  settled  the  terms  of  the  peace ; 
and  the  emperor  was  permitted  to  return  to  his  own  dominions. 

After  this  event  Rishnawad  sent  to  Humai  intelligence  of 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH 


323 


the  victories  he  had  gained,  and  of  the  surprising  valor  of 
Darab,  transmitting  to  her  the  ruby  as  an  evidence  of  his  birth. 
Humai  was  at  once  convinced  that  he  was  her  son,  for  she 
well  remembered  the  day  on  which  he  was  enrolled  as  one  of 
her  soldiers,  when  her  heart  throbbed  with  instinctive  affection 
at  the  sight  of  him ;  and  though  she  had  unfortunately  failed 
to  question  him  then,  she  now  rejoiced  that  he  was  so  near 
being  restored  to  her.  She  immediately  proceeded  to  the 
Atish-gadeh,  or  the  Fire-altar,  and  made  an  offering  on  the 
occasion ;  and  ordering  a  great  fire  to  be  lighted,  gave  immense 
sums  away  in  charity  to  the  poor.  Having  called  Darab  to 
her  presence,  she  went  with  a  splendid  retinue  to  meet  him  at 
the  distance  of  one  journey  from  the  city;  and  as  soon  as  he 
approached,  she  pressed  him  to  her  bosom,  and  kissed  his 
head  and  eyes  with  the  fondest  affection  of  a  mother.  Upon 
the  first  day  of  happy  omen,  she  relinquished  in  his  favor  the 
crown  and  the  throne,  after  having  herself  reigned  thirty-two 
years. 


DARAB  AND   DARA 

WHEN  Darab  had  ascended  the  throne,  he  conducted 
the  affairs  of  the  kingdom  with  humanity,  justice, 
and  benevolence ;  and  by  these  means  secured  the 
happiness  of  his  people.  He  had  no  sooner  commenced  his 
reign,  than  he  sent  for  the  washerman  and  his  wife,  and  en- 
riched them  by  his  gifts.  "  But,"  said  he, "  I  present  to  you  this 
property  on  these  conditions — you  must  not  give  up  your 
occupation — you  must  go  every  day,  as  usual,  to  the  river-side, 
and  wash  clothes ;  for  perhaps  in  process  of  time  you  may  dis- 
cover another  box  floating  down  the  stream,  containing  another 
infant !  "  With  these  conditions  the  washerman  complied. 

Some  time  afterwards  the  kingdom  was  invaded  by  an 
Arabian  army,  consisting  of  one  hundred  thousand  men,  and 
commanded  by  Shaib,  a  distinguished  warrior.  Darab  was 
engaged  with  this  army  three  days  and  three  nights,  and  on  the 
fourth  morning  the  battle  terminated,  in  consequence  of  Shaib 
being  slain.  The  booty  was  immense,  and  a  vast  number  of 
Arabian  horses  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  victor;  which, 


324 


FIRDUSI 


together  with  the  quantity  of  treasure  captured,  strengthened 
greatly  the  resources  of  the  state.  The  success  of  this  cam- 
paign enabled  Darab  to  extend  his  military  operations;  and 
having  put  his  army  in  order,  he  proceeded  against  Failakus 
(Philip  of  Macedon),  then  king  of  Rum,  whom  he  defeated 
with  great  loss.  Many  were  put  to  the  sword,  and  the  women 
and  children  carried  into  captivity.  Failakus  himself  took 
refuge  in  the  fortress  of  Amur,  from  whence  he  sent  an 
ambassador  to  Darab,  saying,  that  if  peace  was  only  granted 
to  him,  he  would  willingly  consent  to  any  terms  that  might  be 
demanded.  When  the  ambassador  arrived,  Darab  said  to  him : 
"If  Failakus  will  bestow  upon  me  his  daughter,  Nahid,  peace 
shall  be.  instantly  re-established  between  us — I  require  no 
other  terms."  Failakus  readily  agreed,  and  sent  Nahid  with 
numerous  splendid  presents  to  the  king  of  Persia,  who  espoused 
her,  and  took  her  with  him  to  his  own  country.  It  so  happened 
that  Nahid  had  an  offensive  breath,  which  was  extremely  dis- 
agreeable to  her  husband,  and  in  consequence  he  directed 
enquiries  to  be  made  everywhere  for  a  remedy.  No  place  was 
left  unexplored ;  at  length  an  herb  of  peculiar  efficacy  and 
fragrance  was  discovered,  which  never  failed  to  remove  the 
imperfection  complained  of;  and  it  was  accordingly  adminis- 
tered with  confident  hopes  of  success.  Nahid  was  desired  to 
wash  her  mouth  with  the  infused  herb,  and  in  a  few  days  her 
breath  became  balmy  and  pure.  When  she  found  she  was  likely 
to  become  a  mother  she  did  not  communicate  the  circumstance, 
but  requested  permission  to  pay  a  visit  to  her  father.  The 
request  was  granted ;  and  on  her  arrival  in  Rum  she  was  de- 
livered of  a  son.  Failakus  had  no  male  offspring,  and  was  over- 
joyed at  this  event,  which  he  at  once  determined  to  keep  un- 
known to  Darab,  publishing  abroad  that  a  son  had  been  born 
in  his  house,  and  causing  it  to  be  understood  that  the  child  was 
his  own.  When  the  boy  grew  up,  he  was  called  Sikander ;  and, 
like  Rustem,  became  highly  accomplished  in  all  the  arts  of 
diplomacy  and  war.  Failakus  placed  him  under  Aristatalis,  a 
sage  of  great  renown,  and  he  soon  equalled  his  master  in 
learning  and  science. 

Darab  married  another  wife,  by  whom  he  had  another  son, 
named  Dara;  and  when  the  youth  was  twenty  years  of  age, 
the  father  died.  The  period  of  Darab's  reign  was  thirty-four 
years. 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH 


325 


Dara  continued  the  government  of  the  empire  in  the  same 
spirit  as  his  father;  claiming  custom  and  tribute  from  the 
inferior  rulers,  with  similar  strictness  and  decision.  After  the 
death  of  Failakus,  Sikander  became  the  king  of  Rum ;  and  refus- 
ing to  pay  the  demanded  tribute  to  Persia,  went  to  war  with 
Dara,  whom  he  killed  in  battle ;  the  particulars  of  these  events 
will  be  presently  shown.  Failakus  reigned  twenty-four  years. 


SIKANDER 

FAILAKUS,  before  his  death,  placed  the  crown  of  sov- 
ereignty upon  the  head  of  Sikander,  and  appointed 
Aristu,  who  was  one  of  the  disciples  of  the  great  Afla- 
tun,  his  vizir.    He  cautioned  him  to  pursue  the  path  of  virtue 
and  rectitude,  and  to  cast  from  his  heart  every  feeling  of  vanity 
and  pride ;  above  all  he  implored  him  to  be  just  and  merciful, 
and  said: — 

"  Think  not  that  thou  art  wise,  but  ignorant, 
And  ever  listen  to  advice  and  counsel; 
We  are  but  dust,  and  from  the  dust  created; 
And  what  our  lives  but  helplessness  and  sorrow!  " 

Sikander  for  a  time  attended  faithfully  to  the  instructions  of 
his  father,  and  to  the  counsel  of  Aristu,  both  in  public  and 
private  affairs. 

Upon  Sikander's  elevation  to  the  throne,  Dara  sent  an  envoy 
to  him  to  claim  the  customary  tribute,  but  he  received  for 
answer :  "  The  time  is  past  when  Rum  acknowledged  the  supe- 
riority of  Persia.  It  is  now  thy  turn  to  pay  tribute  to  Rum. 
If  my  demand  be  refused,  I  will  immediately  invade  thy  domin- 
ions ;  and  think  not  that  I  shall  be  satisfied  with  the  conquest 
of  Persia  alone,  the  whole  world  shall  be  mine ;  therefore  pre- 
pare for  war."  Dara  had  no  alternative,  not  even  submission, 
and  accordingly  assembled  his  army,  for  Sikander  was  already 
in  full  march  against  him.  Upon  the  confines  of  Persia  the 
armies  came  in  sight  of  each  other,  when  Sikander,  in  the 
assumed  character  of  an  envoy,  was  resolved  to  ascertain  the 
exact  condition  of  the  enemy.  With  this  view  he  entered  the 
Persian  camp,  and  Dara  allowing  the  person  whom  he  supposed 


326  FIRDUSI 

an  ambassador,  to  approach,  enquired  what  message  the  king  of 
Rum  had  sent  to  him.  "  Hear  me !  "  said  the  pretended  envoy : 
"  Sikander  has  not  invaded  thy  empire  for  the  exclusive  pur- 
pose of  fighting,  but  to  know  its  history,  its  laws,  and  customs, 
from  personal  inspection.  His  object  is  to  travel  through  the 
whole  world.  Why  then  should  he  make  war  upon  thee  ?  Give 
him  but  a  free  passage  through  thy  kingdom,  and  nothing  more 
is  required.  However  if  it  be  thy  wish  to  proceed  to  hostilities, 
he  apprehends  nothing  from  the  greatness  of  thy  power."  Dara 
was  astonished  at  the  majestic  air  and  dignity  of  the  envoy, 
never  having  witnessed  his  equal,  and  he  anxiously  said: — 

"  What  is  thy  name,  from  whom  art  thou  descended? 
For  that  commanding  front,  that  fearless  eye, 
Bespeaks  illustrious  birth.    Art  thou  indeed 
Sikander,  whom  my  fancy  would  believe  thee, 
So  eloquent  in  speech,  in  mien  so  noble?  " 
"  No!  "  said  the  envoy,  "  no  such  rank  is  mine, 
Sikander  holds  among  his  numerous  host 
Thousands  superior  to  the  humble  slave 
Who  stands  before  thee.     It  is  not  for  me 
To  put  upon  myself  the  air  of  kings, 
To  ape  their  manners  and  their  lofty  state." 

Dara  could  not  help  smiling,  and  ordered  refreshments  and 
wine  to  be  brought.  He  rilled  a  cup  and  gave  it  to  the  envoy, 
who  drank  it  off,  but  did  not,  according  to  custom,  return  the 
empty  goblet  to  the  cup-bearer.  The  cup-bearer  demanded  the 
cup,  and  Dara  asked  the  envoy  why  he  did  not  give  it  back. 
"  It  is  the  custom  in  my  country,"  said  the  envoy,  "  when  a 
cup  is  once  given  into  an  ambassador's  hands,  never  to  receive 
it  back  again."  Dara  was  still  more  amused  by  this  explana- 
tion, and  presented  to  him  another  cup,  and  successively  four, 
which  the  envoy  did  not  fail  to  appropriate  severally  in  the 
same  way.  In  the  evening  a  feast  was  held,  and  Sikander 
partook  of  the  delicious  refreshments  that  had  been  prepared 
for  him  ;  but  in  the  midst  of  the  entertainment  one  of  the  persons 
present  recognized  him,  and  immediately  whispered  to  Dara 
that  his  enemy  was  in  his  power. 

Sikander's  sharp  and  cautious  eye  now  marked 
The  changing  scene,  and  up  he  sprang,  but  first 
Snatched  the  four  cups,  and  rushing  from  the  tent, 
Vaulted  upon  his  horse,  and  rode  away. 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  327 

So  instantaneous  was  the  act,  amazed 

The  assembly  rose,  and  presently  a  troop 

Was  ordered  in  pursuit — but  night,  dark  night, 

Baffled  their  search,  and  checked  their  eager  speed. 

As  soon  as  he  reached  his  own  army,  he  sent  for  Aristatalis 
and  his  courtiers,  and  exultingly  displayed  to  them  the  four 
golden  cups.  "  These,"  said  he,  "  have  I  taken  from  my  enemy, 
I  have  taken  them  from  his  own  table,  and  before  his  own  eyes. 
His  strength  and  numbers  too  I  have  ascertained,  and  my  suc- 
cess is  certain."  No  time  was  now  lost  in  arrangements  for  the 
battle.  The  armies  engaged,  and  they  fought  seven  days  with- 
out a  decisive  blow  being  struck.  On  the  eighth,  Dara  was 
compelled  to  fly,  and  his  legions,  defeated  and  harassed,  were 
pursued  by  the  Rumis  with  great  slaughter  to  the  banks  of  the 
Euphrates.  Sikander  now  returned  to  take  possession  of  the 
capital.  In  the  meantime  Dara  collected  his  scattered  forces 
together,  and  again  tried  his  fortune,  but  he  was  again  defeated. 
After  his  second  success,  the  conqueror  devoted  himself  so 
zealously  to  conciliate  and  win  the  affections  of  the  people,  that 
they  soon  ceased  to  remember  their  former  king  with  any  de- 
gree of  attachment  to  his  interests.  Sikander  said  to  them: 
"  Persia  indeed  is  my  inheritance :  I  am  no  stranger  to  you,  for 
I  am  myself  descended  from  Darab ;  you  may  therefore  safely 
trust  to  my  justice  and  paternal  care,  in  everything  that  con- 
cerns your  welfare."  The  result  was,  that  legion  after  legion 
united  in  his  cause,  and  consolidated  his  power. 

When  Dara  was  informed  of  the  universal  disaffection  of  his 
army,  he  said  to  the  remaining  friends  who  were  personally 
devoted  to  him :  "  Alas !  my  subjects  have  been  deluded  by 
the  artful  dissimulation  and  skill  of  Sikander ;  your  next  mis- 
fortune will  be  the  captivity  of  your  wives  and  children.  Yes, 
your  wives  and  children  will  be  made  the  slaves  of  the  con- 
querors." A  few  troops,  still  faithful  to  their  unfortunate  king, 
offered  to  make  another  effort  against  the  enemy,  and  Dara 
was  too  grateful  and  too  brave  to  discountenance  their  enthu- 
siastic fidelity,  though  with  such  little  chance  of  success.  A 
fragment  of  an  army  was  consequently  brought  into  action,  and 
the  result  was  what  had  been  anticipated.  Dara  was  again  a 
fugitive ;  and  after  the  defeat,  escaped  with  three  hundred  men 
into  the  neighboring  desert.  Sikander  captured  his  wife  and 
family,  but  magnanimously  restored  them  to  the  unfortunate 


328  FIRDUSI 

monarch,  who,  destitute  of  all  further  hope,  now  asked  for  a 
place  of  refuge  in  his  own  dominions,  and  for  that  he  offered 
him  all  the  buried  treasure  of  his  ancestors.  Sikander,  in  reply, 
invited  him  to  his  presence;  and  promised  to  restore  him  to 
his  throne,  that  he  might  himself  be  enabled  to  pursue  other 
conquests;  but  Dara  refused  to  go,  although  advised  by  his 
nobles  to  accept  the  invitation.  "  I  am  willing  to  put  myself 
to  death,"  said  he  with  emotion,  "  but  I  cannot  submit  to  this 
degradation.  I  cannot  go  before  him,  and  thus  personally  ac- 
knowledge his  authority  over  me."  Resolved  upon  this  point, 
he  wrote  to  Faur,  one  of  the  sovereigns  of  Ind,  to  request  his 
assistance,  and  Faur  recommended  that  he  should  pay  him  a 
visit  for  the  purpose  of  concerting  what  measures  should  be 
adopted.  This  correspondence  having  come  to  the  knowledge 
of  Sikander,  he  took  care  that  his  enemy  should  be  intercepted 
in  whatever  direction  he  might  proceed. 

Dara  had  two  ministers,  named  Mahiyar  and  Jamusipar, 
who,  finding  that  according  to  the  predictions  of  the  astrologers 
their  master  would  in  a  few  days  fall  into  the  hands  of  Sikander, 
consulted  together,  and  thought  they  had  better  put  him  to 
death  themselves,  in  order  that  they  might  get  into  favor  with 
Sikander.  It  was  night,  and  the  soldiers  of  the  escort  were  dis- 
persed at  various  distances,  and  the  vizirs  were  stationed  on 
each  side  of  the  king.  As  they  travelled  on,  Jamusipar  took 
an  opportunity  of  plunging  his  dagger  into  Dara's  side,  and 
Mahiyar  gave  another  blow,  which  felled  the  monarch  to  the 
ground.  They  immediately  sent  the  tidings  of  this  event  to 
Sikander,  who  hastened  to  the  spot,  and  the  opening  daylight 
presented  to  his  view  the  wounded  king. 

Dismounting  quickly,  he  in  sorrow  placed 
The  head  of  Dara  on  his  lap,  and  wept 
In  bitterness  of  soul,  to  see  that  form 
Mangled  with  ghastly  wounds. 

Dara  still  breathed ;  and  when  he  lifted  up  his  eyes  and 
beheld  Sikander,  he  groaned  deeply.  Sikander  said,  "  Rise  up, 
that  we  may  convey  thee  to  a  place  of  safety,  and  apply  the 
proper  remedies  to  thy  wounds." — "  Alas !  "  replied  Dara,  "  the 
time  for  remedies  is  past.  I  leave  thee  to  Heaven,  and  may  thy 
reign  give  peace  and  happiness  to  the  empire." — "  Never,"  said 
Sikander,  "  never  did  I  desire  to  see  thee  thus  mangled  and 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH 


329 


fallen — never  to  witness  this  sight!  If  the  Almighty  should 
spare  thy  life,  thou  shalt  again  be  the  monarch  of  Persia,  and 
I  will  go  from  hence.  On  my  mother's  word,  thou  and  I  are 
sons  of  the  same  father.  It  is  this  brotherly  affection  which 
now  wrings  my  heart !  "  Saying  this,  the  tears  chased  each 
other  down  his  cheeks  in  such  abundance  that  they  fell  upon 
the  face  of  Dara.  Again,  he  said,  "  Thy  murderers  shall  meet 
with  merited  vengeance,  they  shall  be  punished  to  the  utter- 
most." Dara  blessed  him,  and  said,  "  My  end  is  approaching, 
but  thy  sweet  discourse  and  consoling  kindness  have  banished 
all  my  grief.  I  shall  now  die  with  a  mind  at  rest.  Weep  no 
more — 

My  course  is  finished,  thine  is  scarce  begun; 

But  hear  my  dying  wish,  my  last  request: 

Preserve  the  honour  of  my  family, 

Preserve  it  from  disgrace.     I  have  a  daughter 

Dearer  to  me  than  life,  her  name  is  Roshung; 

Espouse  her,  I  beseech  thee — and  if  Heaven 

Should  bless  thee  with  a  boy,  O!   let  his  name  be 

Isfendiyar,  that  he  may  propagate 

With  zeal  the  sacred  doctrines  of  Zerdusht, 

The  Zendavesta,  then  my  soul  will  be 

Happy  in  Heaven;  and  he,  at  Nau-ruz  tide, 

Will  also  hold  the  festival  I  love, 

And  at  the  altar  light  the  Holy  Fire; 

Nor  will  he  cease  his  labour,  till  the  faith 

Of  Lohurasp  be  everywhere  accepted, 

And  everywhere  believed  the  true  religion." 

Sikander  promised  that  he  would  assuredly  fulfil  the  wishes 
he  had  expressed,  and  then  Dara  placed  the  palm  of  his 
brother's  hand  on  his  mouth,  and  shortly  afterwards  expired. 
Sikander  again  wept  bitterly,  and  then  the  body  was  placed  on 
a  golden  couch,  and  he  attended  it  in  sorrow  to  the  grave. 

After  the  burial  of  Dara,  the  two  ministers,  Jamusipar  and 
Mahiyar,  were  brought  near  the  tomb,  and  executed  upon  the 
dar. 

Just  vengeance  upon  the  guilty  head. 

For  they  their  generous  monarch's  blood  had  shed. 

Sikander  had  now  no  rival  to  the  throne  of  Persia,  and  he 
commenced  his  government  under  the  most  favorable  auspices. 
He  continued  the  same  customs  and  ordinances  which  were 
handed  down  to  him,  and  retained  every  one  in  his  established 


330  FIRDUSI 

rank  and  occupation.  He  gladdened  the  heart  by  his  justice 
and  liberality.  Keeping  in  mind  his  promise  to  Dara,  he  now 
wrote  to  the  mother  of  Roshung,  and  communicating  to  her  the 
dying  solicitations  of  the  king,  requested  her  to  send  Roshung 
to  him,  that  he  might  fulfil  the  last  wish  of  his  brother.  The 
wife  of  Dara  immediately  complied  with  the  command,  and  sent 
her  daughter  with  various  presents  to  Sikander,  and  she  was  on 
her  arrival  married  to  the  conqueror,  acceding  to  the  customs 
and  laws  of  the  empire.  Sikander  loved  her  exceedingly,  and 
on  her  account  remained  some  time  in  Persia,  but  he  at  length 
determined  to  proceed  into  Ind  to  conquer  that  country  of 
enchanters  and  enchantment. 

On  approaching  Ind  he  wrote  to  Kaid,  summoning  him  to 
surrender  his  kingdom,  and  received  from  him  the  following 
answer :  "  I  will  certainly  submit  to  thy  authority,  but  I  have 
four  things  which  no  other  person  in  the  world  possesses,  and 
which  I  cannot  relinquish.  I  have  a  daughter,  beautiful  as  an 
angel  of  Paradise,  a  wise  minister,  a  skilful  physician,  and  a 
goblet  of  inestimable  value !  "  Upon  receiving  this  extra- 
ordinary reply,  Sikander  again  addressed  a  letter  to  him,  in 
which  he  peremptorily  required  all  these  things  immediately. 
Kaid  not  daring  to  refuse,  or  make  any  attempt  at  evasion, 
reluctantly  complied  with  the  requisition.  Sikander  received 
the  minister  and  the  physician  with  great  politeness  and 
attention,  and  in  the  evening  held  a  splendid  feast,  at  which  he 
espoused  the  beautiful  daughter  of  Kaid,  and  taking  the  goblet 
from  her  hands,  drank  off  the  wine  with  which  it  was  filled. 
After  that,  Kaid  himself  waited  upon  Sikander,  and  personally 
acknowledged  his  authority  and  dominion. 

Sikander  then  proceeded  to  claim  the  allegiance  and  homage 
of  Faur,  the  king  of  Kanuj,  and  wrote  to  him  to  submit  to  his 
power;  but  Faur  returned  a  haughty  answer,  saying: — 

"  Kaid  Indi  is  a  coward  to  obey  thee, 
But  I  am  Faur,  descended  from  a  race 
Of  matchless  warriors;    and  shall  I  submit, 
And  to  a  Greek!" 

Sikander  was  highly  incensed  at  this  bold  reply.  The  force 
he  had  now  with  him  amounted  to  eighty  thousand  men ;  that 
is,  thirty  thousand  Iranians,  forty  thousand  Rumis,  and  ten 
thousand  Indis.  Faur  had  sixty  thousand  horsemen,  and  two 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  331 

thousand  elephants.  The  troops  of  Sikander  were  greatly 
terrified  at  the  sight  of  so  many  elephants,  which  gave  the 
enemy  such  a  tremendous  superiority.  Aristatalis,  and  some 
other  ingenious  counsellors,  were  requested  to  consult  together 
to  contrive  some  means  of  counteracting  the  power  of  the  war- 
elephants,  and  they  suggested  the  construction  of  an  iron 
horse,  and  the  figure  of  a  rider  also  of  iron,  to  be  placed  upon 
wheels  like  a  carriage,  and  drawn  by  a  number  of  horses.  A 
soldier,  clothed  in  iron  armor,  was  to  follow  the  vehicle — his 
hands  and  face  besmeared  with  combustible  matter,  and  this 
soldier,  armed  with  a  long  staff,  was  at  an  appointed  signal,  to 
pierce  the  belly  of  the  horse  and  also  of  the  rider,  previously 
rilled  with  combustibles,  so  that  when  the  ignited  point  came  in 
contact  with  them,  the  whole  engine  would  make  a  tremendous 
explosion  and  blaze  in  the  air.  Sikander  approved  of  this 
invention,  and  collected  all  the  blacksmiths  and  artisans  in  the 
country  to  construct  a  thousand  machines  of  this  description 
with  the  utmost  expedition,  and  as  soon  as  they  were  completed, 
he  prepared  for  action.  Faur  too  pushed  forward  with  his  two 
thousand  elephants  in  advance;  but  when  the  Kanujians 
beheld  such  a  formidable  array  they  were  surprised,  and  Faur 
anxiously  inquired  from  his  spies  what  it  could  be.  Upon 
being  told  that  it  was  Sikander's  artillery,  his  troops  pushed 
the  elephants  against  the  enemy  with  vigor,  at  which  moment 
the  combustibles  were  fired  by  the  Rumis,  and  the  machinery 
exploding,  many  elephants  were  burnt  and  destroyed,  and  the 
remainder,  with  the  troops,  fled  in  confusion.  Sikander  then 
encountered  Faur,  and  after  a  severe  contest,  slew  him,  and 
became  ruler  of  the  kingdom  of  Kanuj. 

After  the  conquest  of  Kanuj,  Sikander  went  to  Mekka,  carry- 
ing thither  rich  presents  and  offerings.  From  thence  he  pro- 
ceeded to  another  city,  where  he  was  received  with  great 
homage  by  the  most  illustrious  of  the  nation.  He  enquired  of 
them  if  there  was  anything  wonderful  or  extraordinary  in  their 
country,  that  he  might  go  to  see  it,  and  they  replied  that  there 
were  two  trees  in  the  kingdom,  one  a  male,  the  other  a  female, 
from  which  a  voice  proceeded.  The  male-tree  spoke  in  the 
day,  and  the  female-tree  in  the  night,  and  whoever  had  a  wish, 
went  thither  to  have  his  desires  accomplished.  Sikander  im- 
mediately repaired  to  the  spot,  and  approaching  it,  he  hoped  in 
his  heart  that  a  considerable  part  of  his  life  still  remained  to  be 


332  FIRDUSI 

enjoyed.  When  he  came  under  the  tree,  a  terrible  sound  arose 
and  rung  in  his  ears,  and  he  asked  the  people  present  what  it 
meant.  The  attendant  priest  said  it  implied  that  fourteen  years 
of  his  life  still  remained.  Sikander,  at  this  interpretation  of  the 
prophetic  sound,  wept  and  the  burning  tears  ran  down  his 
cheeks.  Again  he  asked,  "  Shall  I  return  to  Rum,  and  see  my 
mother  and  children  before  I  die  ?  "  and  the  answer  was,  "  Thou 
wilt  die  at  Kashan.* 

Nor  mother,  nor  thy  family  at  home 
Wilt  thou  behold  again,  for  thou  wilt  die, 
Closing  thy  course  of  glory  at  Kashan." 

Sikander  left  the  place  in  sorrow,  and  pursued  his  way 
towards  Rum.  In  his  progress  he  arrived  at  another  city,  and 
the  inhabitants  gave  him  the  most  honorable  welcome,  repre- 
senting to  him,  however,  that  they  were  dreadfully  afflicted  by 
the  presence  of  two  demons  or  giants,  who  constantly  assailed 
them  in  the  night,  devouring  men  and  goats  and  whatever 
came  in  their  way.  Sikander  asked  their  names;  and  they 
replied,  Yajuj  and  Majuj  (Gog  and  Magog).  He  immediately 
ordered  a  barrier  to  be  erected  five  hundred  yards  high,  and 
three  hundred  yards  wide,  and  when  it  was  finished  he  went 
away.  The  giants,  notwithstanding  all  their  efforts,  were  un- 
able to  scale  this  barrier,  and  in  consequence  the  inhabitants 
pursued  their  occupations  without  the  fear  of  molestation. 

To  scenes  of  noble  daring  still  he  turned 

His  ardent  spirit — for  he  knew  not  fear. 

Still  he  led  on  his  legions — and  now  came 

To  a  strange  place,  where  countless  numbers  met 

His  wondering  view — countless  inhabitants 

Crowding  the  city  streets,  and  neighbouring  plains; 

And  in  the  distance  presently  he  saw 

A  lofty  mountain  reaching  to  the  stars. 

Onward  proceeding,  at  its  foot  he  found 

A  guardian-dragon,  terrible  in  form, 

Ready  with  open  jaws  to  crush  his  victim; 

But  unappalled,  Sikander  him  beholding 

With  steady  eye,  which  scorned  to  turn  aside, 

Sprang  forward,  and  at  once  the  monster  slew. 

*  Kashan  is  here  made  to  be  the  death-  at  Babylon,  as  foretold  by  the  ma- 
place  of  Alexander,  whilst,  according  to  gicians,  on  the  2ist  of  April,  B.C.  323, 
the  Greek  historians,  he  died  suddenly  in  the  thirty-second  year  of  his  age. 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  333 

Ascending  then  the  mountain,  many  a  ridge, 
Oft  resting  on  the  way,  he  reached  the  summit, 
Where  the  dead  corse  of  an  old  saint  appeared 
Wrapt  in  his  grave-clothes,  and  in  gems  imbedded. 
In  gold  and  precious  jewels  glittering  round, 
Seeming  to  show  what  man  is,  mortal  man ! 
Wealth,  worldly  pomp,  the  baubles  of  ambition, 
All  left  behind,  himself  a  heap  of  dust! 

None  ever  went  upon  that  mountain  top, 
But  sought  for  knowledge;  and  Sikander  hoped 
When  he  had  reached  its  cloudy  eminence, 
To  see  the  visions  of  futurity 
Arise  from  that  departed,  holy  man! 
And  soon  he  heard  a  voice:   "  Thy  time  is  nigh! 
Yet  may  I  thy  career  on  earth  unfold. 
It  will  be  thine  to  conquer  many  a  realm, 
Win  many  a  crown;  thou  wilt  have  many  friends 
And  numerous  foes,  and  thy  devoted  head 
Will  be  uplifted  to  the  very  heavens. 
Renowned  and  glorious  shalt  thou  be;  thy  name 
Immortal;   but,  alas!   thy  time  is  nigh!" 
At  these  prophetic  words  Sikander  wept, 
And  from  that  ominous  mountain  hastened  down. 

After  that  Sikander  journeyed  on  to  the  city  of  Kashan, 
where  he  fell  sick,  and  in  a  few  days,  according  to  the  oracle  and 
the  prophecy,  expired.  He  had  scarcely  breathed  his  last,  when 
Aristu,  and  Bilniyas  the  physician,  and  his  family,  entered 
Kashan,  and  found  him  dead.  They  beat  their  faces,  and  tore 
their  hair,  and  mourned  for  him  forty  days. 


334  FIRDUSI 


FIRDUSI'S   INVOCATION 


*nr*HEE  I  invoke,  the  Lord  of  Life  and  Light! 

Beyond  imagination  pure  and  bright! 

To  thee,  sufficing  praise  no  tongue  can  give, 
We  are  thy  creatures,  and  in  thee  we  live! 
Thou  art  the  summit,  depth,  the  all  in  all, 
Creator,  Guardian  of  this  earthly  ball; 
Whatever  is,  thou  art  —  Protector,  King, 
From  thee  all  goodness,  truth,  and  mercy  spring. 
O  pardon  the  misdeeds  of  him  who  now 
Bends  in  thy  presence  with  a  suppliant  brow. 
Teach  them  to  tread  the  path  thy  Prophet  trod; 
To  wash  his  heart  from  sin,  to  know  his  God; 
And  gently  lead  him  to  that  home  of  rest, 
Where  filled  with  holiest  rapture  dwell  the  blest. 

Saith  not  that  book  divine,  from  Heaven  supplied, 
"  Mustafa  is  the  true,  the  unerring  guide, 
The  purest,  greatest  Prophet!  "     Next  him  came 
Wise  Abu  Buker,  of  unblemished  name; 
Then  Omer  taught  the  faith,  unknown  to  guile, 
And  made  the  world  with  vernal  freshness  smile; 
Then  Othman  brave  th'  imperial  priesthood  graced; 
All,  led  by  him,  the  Prophet's  faith  embraced. 
The  fourth  was  AH;  he,  the  spouse  adored 
Of  Fatima,  then  spread  the  saving  word. 
Ali,  of  whom  Mahommed  spoke  elate, 
"  I  am  the  city  of  knowledge  —  he  my  gate." 
Ali  the  blest.    Whoever  shall  recline 
A  supplicant  at  his  all-powerful  shrine, 
Enjoys  both  this  life  and  the  next;  in  this, 
All  earthly  good,  in  that,  eternal  bliss! 

From  records  true  my  legends  I  rehearse, 
And  string  the  pearls  of  wisdom  in  my  verse, 
That  in  the  glimmering  days  of  life's  decline, 
Its  fruits,  in  wealth  and  honor,  may  be  mine. 
My  verse,  a  structure  pointing  to  the  skies; 
Whose  solid  strength  destroying  time  defies. 
All  praise  the  noble  work,  save  only  those 
Of  impious  life,  or  base  malignant  foes; 
All  blest  with  learning  read,  and  read  again, 
The  sovereign  smiles,  and  thus  approves  my  strain: 
"  Richer  by  far,  Firdusi,  than  a  mine 
Of  precious  gems,  is  this  bright  lay  of  thine." 
Centuries  may  pass  away,  but  still  my  page 
Will  be  the  boast  of  each  succeeding  age. 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  335 


Praise,  praise  to  Mahmud,  who  of  like  renown, 
In  battle  or  the  banquet,  fills  the  throne; 
Lord  of  the  realms  of  Chin  and  Hindustan, 
Sovereign  and  Lord  of  Persia  and  Turan, 
With  his  loud  voice  he  rends  the  flintiest  ear; 
On  land  a  tiger  fierce,  untouched  by  fear, 
And  on  the  wave,  he  seems  the  crocodile 
That  prowls  amidst  the  waters  of  the  Nile. 
Generous  and  brave,  his  equal  is  unknown; 
In  deeds  of  princely  worth  he  stands  alone. 
The  infant  in  the  cradle  lisps  his  name; 
The  world  exults  in  Mahmud's  spotless  fame. 
In  festive  hours  Heaven  smiles  upon  his  truth; 
In  combat  deadly  as  the  dragon's  tooth; 
Bounteous  in  all  things,  his  exhaustless  hand 
Diffuses  blessings  through  the  grateful  land; 
And,  of  the  noblest  thoughts  and  actions,  lord; 
The  soul  of  Gabriel  breathes  in  every  word. 
May  Heaven  with  added  glory  crown  his  days; 
Praise,  praise  to  mighty  Mahmud — everlasting  praise! 


336  FIRDUSI 


FIRDUSI'S  SATIRE  ON  MAHMUD 

KNOW,  tyrant  as  thou  art,  this  earthly  state 
Is  not  eternal,  but  of  transient  date; 
Fear  God,  then,  and  afflict  not  human-kind; 
To  merit  Heaven,  be  thou  to  Heaven  resigned. 

(Afflict  not  even  the  Ant;  though  weak  and  small, 
It  breathes  and  lives,  and  life  is  sweet  to  all. 
'  Knowing  my  temper,  firm,  and  stern,  and  bold, 
Didst  thou  not,  tyrant,  tremble  to  behold 
My  sword  blood-dropping?     Hadst  thou  not  the  sense 
To  shrink  from  giving  man  like  me  offence? 
What  could  impel  thee  to  an  act  so  base? 
What,  but  to  earn  and  prove  thy  own  disgrace? 
Why  was  I  sentenced  to  be  trod  upon, 
And  crushed  to  death  by  elephants?     By  one 
Whose  power  I  scorn!     Couldst  thou  presume  that  I 
Would  be  appalled  by  thee,  whom  I  defy? 

*  I  am  the  lion,  I,  inured  to  blood, 

And  make  the  impious  and  the  base  my  food; 
And  I  could  grind  thy  limbs,  and  spread  them  far 
As  Nile's  dark  waters  their  rich  treasures  bear. 

*  Fear  thee!     I  fear  not  man,  but  God  alone, 
I  only  bow  to  his  Almighty  throne. 
Inspired  by  Him  my  ready  numbers  flow; 
Guarded  by  Him  I  dread  no  earthly  foe. 
Thus  in  the  pride  of  song  I  pass  my  days, 
Offering  to  Heaven  my  gratitude  and  praise. 

From  every  trace  of  sense  and  feeling  free, 
When  thou  art  dead,  what  will  become  of  thee? 
If  thou  shouldst  tear  me  limb  from  limb,  and  cast 
My  dust  and  ashes  to  the  angry  blast, 
Firdusi  still  would  live,  since  on  thy  narne, 
Mahmud,  I  did  not  rest  my  hopes  of  fame. 
In  the  bright  page  of  my  heroic  song, 
But  on  the  God  of  Heaven,  to  whom  belong 
Boundless  thanksgivings,  and  on  Him  whose  love 
Supports  the  Faithful  in  the  realms  above, 
'  The  mighty  Prophet!  none  who  e'er  reposed 
On  Him,  existence  without  hope  has  closed. 

And  thou  wouldst  hurl  me  underneath  the  tread 
Of  the  wild  elephant,  till  I  were  dead! 
Dead!   by  that  insult  roused,  I  should  become 
An  elephant  in  power,  and  seal  thy  doom — 

*  Mahmud!  if  fear  of  man  hath  never  awed 
Thy  heart,  at  least  fear  thy  Creator,  God. 


THE    SHAH    NAMEH  337 

Full  many  a  warrior  of  illustrious  worth, 
Full  many  of  humble,  of  imperial  birth: 
Tur,  Silim,  Jemshid,  Minuchihr  the  brave, 
Have  died;  for  nothing  had  the  power  to  save 
These  mighty  monarchs  from  the  common  doom; 
They  died,  but  blest  in  memory  still  they  bloom. 
Thus  kings  too  perish — none  on  earth  remain, 
\  Since  all  things  human  seek  the  dust  again. 

/    O,  had  thy  father  graced  a  kingly  throne, 
•    Thy  mother  been  for  royal  virtues  known, 

A  different  fate  the  poet  then  had  shared, 

Honors  and  wealth  had  been  his  just  reward; 

But  how  remote  from  thee  a  glorious  line! 

No  high,  ennobling  ancestry  is  thine; 

From  a  vile  stock  thy  bold  career  began, 

A  Blacksmith  was  thy  sire  of  Isfahan. 

Alas!  from  vice  can  goodness  ever  spring? 

Is  mercy  hoped  for  in  a  tyrant  king? 
i    Can  water  wash  the  Ethiopian  white? 

Can  we  remove  the  darkness  from  the  night? 

The  tree  to  which  a  bitter  fruit  is  given, 

Would  still  be  bitter  in  the  bowers  of  Heaven; 

And  a  bad  heart  keeps  on  its  vicious  course; 

Or  if  it  changes,  changes  for  the  worse; 

Whilst  streams  of  milk,  where  Eden's  flowrets  blow, 

Acquire  more  honied  sweetness  as  they  flow. 

The  reckless  king  who  grinds  the  poor  like  thee, 

Must  ever  be  consigned  to  infamy ! 

Now  mark  Firdusi's  strain,  his  Book  of  Kings 
Will  ever  soar  upon  triumphant  wings. 
All  who  have  listened  to  its  various  lore 
Rejoice,  the  wise  grow  wiser  than  before; 
Heroes  of  other  times,  of  ancient  days, 
Forever  flourish  in  my  sounding  lays; 
Have  I  not  sung  of  Kaiis,  Tus,  and  Giw; 
Of  matchless  Rustem,  faithful,  still,  and  true. 
Of  the  great  Demon-binder,  who  could  throw 
His  kamund  to  the  Heavens,  and  seize  his  foe! 
Of  Husheng,  Feridun,  and  Sam  Suwar, 
Lohurasp,  Kai-khosrau,  and  Isfendiyar; 
Gushtasp,  Arjasp,  and  him  of  mighty  name, 
Gudarz,  with  eighty  sons  of  martial  fame ! 

The  toil  of  thirty  years  is  now  complete, 
Record  sublime  of  many  a  warlike  feat, 
Written  midst  toil  and  trouble,  but  the  strain 
Awakens  every  heart,  and  will  remain 
A  lasting  stimulus  to  glorious  deeds; 

VOL.  I. — 22 


333 


FIRDUSI 

For  even  the  bashful  maid,  who  kindling  reads, 
Becomes  a  warrior.    Thirty  years  of  care, 
Urged  on  by  royal  promise,  did  I  bear, 
And  now,  deceived  and  scorned,  the  aged  bard 
Is  basely  cheated  of  his  pledged  reward! 


THE  MUEZZIN. 

Photogravure  from  a  painting  by  J.  F.  Gerome. 

Now  the  Muezzin's  call  is  heard,  sonorous  clanging 

Through  thronged  bazaar,  concealed  harem,  and  cool  kiosk: 

'  In  the  Prophet's  name,  God  is  God,  and  there  is  no  other.' 

On  roofs,  in  streets,  alone,  or  close  beside  his  brother. 

Each  Moslem  kneels,  his  forehead  turned  towards  Mecca's  shrine, 

And  all  the  world  forgotten  in  one  thought  divine." 


THE    RUBAIYAT 

OF 

OMAR    KHAYYAM 

[Translation  by  Edward  Fitzgerald] 


INTRODUCTION 

IT  is  seldom  that  we  come  across  a  poem  which  it  is  im- 
possible to  classify  in  accordance  with  European  standards. 
Yet  such  a  poem  is  Omar's  "  Rubaiyat."  If  elegiac  poetry 
is  the  expression  of  subjective  emotion,  sentiment,  and  thought, 
we  might  class  this  Persian  masterpiece  as  elegy ;  but  an  elegy 
is  a  sustained  train  of  connected  imagery  and  reflection.  The 
"  Rubaiyat  "  is,  on  the  other  hand,  a  string  of  quatrains,  each  of 
which  has  all  the  complete  and  independent  significance  of  an 
epigram.  Yet  there  is  so  little  of  that  lightness  which  should 
characterize  an  epigram  that  we  can  scarcely  put  Omar  in  the 
same  category  with  Martial,  and  it  is  easy  to  understand  why 
the  author  should  have  been  contented  to  name  his  book  the 
"  Rubaiyat,"  or  Quatrains,  leaving  it  to  each  individual  to  make, 
if  he  chooses,  a  more  definite  description  of  the  work.  To 
English  readers,  Mr.  Edward  Fitzgerald's  version  of  the  poem 
has  provided  one  of  the  most  masterly  translations  that  was 
ever  made  from  an  Oriental  classic.  For  Omar,  like  Hafiz, 
is  one  of  the  most  Persian  of  Persian  writers.  There  is  in 
this  volume  all  the  gorgeousness  of  the  East:  all  the  luxury 
of  the  most  refined  civilization.  Omar's  bowers  are  always 
full  of  roses ;  the  notes  of  the  nightingale  tremble  through  his 
stanzas.  The  intoxication  of  wine,  and  the  bright  eyes  of 
lovely  women  are  ever  present  to  his  mind.  The  feast,  the 
revel,  the  joys  of  love,  and  the  calm  satisfaction  of  appetite 
make  up  the  grosser  elements  in  his  song.  But  the  prevailing 
note  of  his  music  is  that  of  deep  and  settled  melancholy,  break- 
ing out  occasionally  into  words  of  misanthropy  and  despair. 
The  keenness  and  intensity  of  this  poet's  style  seems  to  be  in- 
spired by  an  ever-present  fear  of  death.  This  sense  of  ap- 
proaching Fate  is  never  absent  from  him,  even  in  his  most 
genial  moments;  and  the  strange  fascination  which  he  exer- 
cises over  his  readers  is  largely  due  to  the  thrilling  sweetness 
of  some  passage  which  ends  in  a  note  of  dejection  and  anguish. 

341 


342  THE   RUBAIYAT 

Strange  to  say,  Omar  was  the  greatest  mathematician  of  his 
day.  The  exactness  of  his  fine  and  analytic  mind  is  reflected 
in  the  exquisite  finish,  the  subtile  wit,  the  delicate  descriptive 
touches,  that  abound  in  his  Quatrains.  His  verses  hang  to- 
gether like  gems  of  the  purest  water  exquisitely  cut  and  clasped 
by  "  jacinth  work  of  subtlest  jewelry."  But  apart  from  their 
masterly  technique,  these  Quatrains  exhibit  in  their  general 
tone  the  revolt  of  a  clear  intellect  from  the  prevailing  bigotry 
and  fanaticism  of  an  established  religion.  There  is  in  the 
poet's  mind  the  lofty  indignation  of  one  who  sees,  in  its  true 
light,  the  narrowness  of  an  ignorant  and  hypocritical  clergy, 
yet  can  find  no  solid  ground  on  which  to  build  up  for  himself 
a  theory  of  supernaturalism,  illumined  by  hope.  Yet  there  are 
traces  of  Mysticism  in  his  writings,  which  only  serve  to  em- 
phasize his  profound  longing  for  some  knowledge  of  the  in- 
visible, and  his  foreboding  that  the  grave  is  the  "  be-all "  and 
"  end-all  "  of  life.  The  poet  speaks  in  tones  of  bitterest  lamen- 
tation when  he  sees  succumb  to  Fate  all  that  is  bright  and 
fresh  and  beautiful.  At  his  brightest  moments  he  gives  ex- 
pression to  a  vague  pantheism,  but  all  his  views  of  the  power 
that  lies  behind  life  are  obscured  and  perturbed  by  sceptical 
despondency.  He  is  the  great  man  of  science,  who,  like  other 
men  of  genius  too  deeply  immersed  in  the  study  of  natural 
law  or  abstract  reasoning,  has  lost  all  touch  with  that  great 
world  of  spiritual  things  which  we  speak  of  as  religion,  and 
which  we  can  only  come  in  contact  with  through  those  instinc- 
tive emotions  which  scientific  analysis  very  often  does  so  much 
to  stifle.  There  are  many  men  of  science  who,  like  Darwin, 
have  come,  through  the  study  of  material  phenomena  in  nature, 
to  a  condition  of  mind  which  is  indifferent  in  matters  of  relig- 
ion. But  the  remarkable  feature  in  the  case  of  Omar  is  that  he, 
who  could  see  so  clearly  and  feel  so  acutely,  has  been  enabled 
also  to  embody  in  a  poem  of  imperishable  beauty  the  opinions 
which  he  shared  with  many  of  his  contemporaries.  The  range 
of  his  mind  can  only  be  measured  by  supposing  that  Sir  Isaac 
Newton  had  written  Manfred  or  Childe  Harold.  But  even 
more  remarkable  is  what  we  may  call  the  modernity  of  this 
twelfth  century  Persian  poet.  We  sometimes  hear  it  said  that 
great  periods  of  civilization  end  in  a  manifestation  of  infidelity 
and  despair.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  a  great  deal  of  rest- 
lessness and  misgiving  characterizes  the  minds  of  to-day  in  re- 


INTRODUCTION 


343 


gard  to  all  questions  of  religion.  Europe,  in  the  nineteenth 
century,  as  reflected  in  the  works  of  Byron,  Spencer,  Darwin, 
and  Schopenhauer,  is  very  much  in  the  same  condition  as  intel- 
lectual Persia  in  the  twelfth  century,  so  far  as  the  pessimism 
of  Omar  is  representative  of  his  day.  This  accounts  for  the 
wide  popularity  of  Fitzgerald's  "  Rubaiyat."  The  book  has 
been  read  eagerly  and  fondly  studied,  as  if  it  were  a  new  book 
of  fin  du  siecle  production :  the  last  efflorescence  of  intellectual 
satiety,  cynicism,  and  despair.  Yet  the  book  is  eight  centuries 
old,  and  it  has  been  the  task  of  this  seer  of  the  East  to  reveal 
to  the  West  the  heart-sickness  under  which  the  nations  were 
suffering. 

Omar  Khayyam — that  is,  Omar  the  tent-maker — was  born  in 
the  year  1050  at  Nishapur,  the  little  Damascus  (as  it  is  called) 
of  Persia :  famous  as  a  seat  of  learning,  as  a  place  of  religion, 
and  a  centre  of  commerce.  In  the  days  of  Omar  it  was  by  far 
the  most  important  city  of  Khorasan.  The  poet,  like  his 
father  before  him,  held  a  court  office  under  the  Vizir  of  his 
day.  It  was  from  the  stipend  which  he  thus  enjoyed  that  he 
secured  leisure  for  mathematical  and  literary  work.  His  father 
had  been  a  khayyam,  or  tent-maker,  and  his  gifted  son  doubt- 
less inherited  the  handicraft  as  well  as  the  name ;  but  his  posi- 
tion at  Court  released  him  from  the  drudgery  of  manual  labor. 
He  was  thus  also  brought  in  contact  with  the  luxurious  side 
of  life,  and  became  acquainted  with  those  scenes  of  pleasure 
which  he  recalls  only  to  add  poignancy  to  the  sorrow  with 
which  he  contemplates  the  yesterday  of  life.  Omar's  astro- 
nomical researches  were  continued  for  many  years,  and  his 
algebra  has  been  translated  into  French :  but  his  greatest  claim 
to  renown  is  based  upon  his  immortal  Quatrains,  which  will 
always  live  as  the  best  expression  of  a  phase  of  mind  con- 
stantly recurring  in  the  history  of  civilization,  from  the  days 
of  Anaxagoras  to  that  of  Darwin  and  Spencer. 

E.  W. 


OMAR   KHAYYAM 
By  John  Hay 

Address  delivered  December  8, 1897,  at  the  Dinner  of  the  Omar 
Khayyam  Club,  London. 

I  CAN  never  forget  my  emotions  when  I  first  saw  Fitzgerald's 
translations  of  the  Quatrains.     Keats,  in  his  sublime  ode 
on  Chapman's  Homer,  has  described  the  sensation  once 
for  all: 

"  Then  felt  I  like  some  watcher  of  the  skies 
When  a  new  planet  swims  into  his  ken." 

The  exquisite  beauty,  the  faultless  form,  the  singular  grace  of 
those  amazing  stanzas  were  not  more  wonderful  than  the  depth 
and  breadth  of  their  profound  philosophy,  their  knowledge  of 
life,  their  dauntless  courage,  their  serene  facing  of  the  ultimate 
problems  of  life  and  death.  Of  course  the  doubt  did  not  spare 
me,  which  has  assailed  many  as  ignorant  as  I.  was  of  the  litera- 
ture of  the  East,  whether  it  was  the  poet  or  the  translator  to 
whom  was  due  this  splendid  result.  Was  it,  in  fact,  a  repro- 
duction of  an  antique  song,  or  a  mystification  of  a  great  modern, 
careless  of  fame  and  scornful  of  his  time  ?  Could  it  be  possible 
that  in  the  eleventh  century,  so  far  away  as  Khorasan,  so  ac- 
complished a  man  of  letters  lived,  with  such  distinction,  such 
breadth,  such  insight,  such  calm  disillusions,  such  cheerful  and 
jocund  despair  ?  Was  this  "  Weltschmerz,"  which  we  thought 
a  malady  of  our  day,  endemic  in  Persia  in  noo?  My  doubt 
only  lasted  until  I  came  upon  a  literal  translation  of  the  Rubai- 
yat,  and  I  saw  that  not  the  least  remarkable  quality  of  Fitz- 
gerald's poem  was  its  fidelity  to  the  original. 

In  short,  Omar  was  a  Fitzgerald,  or  Fitzgerald  was  a  rein- 
carnation of  Omar.  It  was  not  to  the  disadvantage  of  the  latter 
poet  that  he  followed  so  closely  in  the  footsteps  of  the  earlier. 
A  man  of  extraordinary  genius  had  appeared  in  the  world,  had 
sung  a  song  of  incomparable  beauty  and  power  in  an  environ- 

345 


346  THE   RUfiXlYAT 

ment  no  longer  worthy  of  him,  in  a  language  of  narrow  range  ; 
for  many  generations  the  song  was  virtually  lost;  then  by  a 
miracle  of  creation,  a  poet,  a  twin-brother  in  the  spirit  to  the 
first,  was  born,  who  took  up  the  forgotten  poem  and  sang  it 
anew  with  all  its  original  melody  and  force,  and  all  the  accu- 
mulated refinement  of  ages  of  art.  It  sems  to  me  idle  to  ask 
which  was  the  greater  master;  each  seems  greater  than  his 
work.  The  song  is  like  an  instrument  of  precious  workman- 
ship and  marvellous  tone,  which  is  worthless  in  common  hands, 
but  when  it  falls,  at  long  intervals,  into  the  hands  of  the  supreme 
master,  it  yields  a  melody  of  transcendent  enchantment  to  all 
that  have  ears  to  hear.  If  we  look  at  the  sphere  of  influence  of 
the  poets,  there  is  no  longer  any  comparison.  Omar  sang  to  a 
half-barbarous  province :  Fitzgerald  to  the  world.  Wherever 
the  English  speech  is  spoken  or  read,  the  "  Rubaiyat "  have 
taken  their  place  as  a  classic.  There  is  not  a  hill  post  in  India, 
nor  a  village  in  England,  where  there  is  not  a  coterie  to  whom 
Omar  Khayyam  is  a  familiar  friend  and  a  bond  of  union.  In 
America  he  has  an  equal  following,  in  many  regions  and  condi- 
tions. In  the  Eastern  States  his  adepts  form  an  esoteric  sect ; 
the  beautiful  volume  of  drawings  by  Mr.  Vedder  is  a  centre  of 
delight  and  suggestion  wherever  it  exists.  In  the  cities  of  the 
West  you  will  find  the  Quatrains  one  of  the  most  thoroughly 
read  books  in  any  club  library.  I  heard  them  quoted  once  in  one 
of  the  most  lonely  and  desolate  spots  in  the  high  Rockies.  We 
had  been  camping  on  the  Great  Divide,  our  "  roof  of  the  world," 
where  in  the  space  of  a  few  feet  you  may  see  two  springs,  one 
sending  its  waters  to  the  Polar  solitudes,  the  other  to  the  eternal 
Carib  summer.  One  morning  at  sunrise,  as  we  were  breaking 
camp,  I  was  startled  to  hear  one  of  our  party,  a  frontiersman 
born,  intoning  these  words  of  sombre  majesty:— 

"  "Pis  but  a  Tent  where  takes  his  one  day's  rest 
A  Sultan  to  the  realm  of  Death  addrest; 

The  Sultan  rises,  and  the  dark  Ferrash 
Strikes,  and  prepares  it  for  another  Guest." 

I  thought  that  sublime  setting  of  primeval  forest  and  pouring 
canyon  was  worthy  of  the  lines ;  I  am  sure  the  dewless,  crystal- 
line air  never  vibrated  to  strains  of  more  solemn  music.  Cer- 
tainly, our  poet  can  never  be  numbered  among  the  great  writers 
of  all  time.  He  has  told  no  story ;  he  has  never  unpacked  his 


INTRODUCTION  347 

heart  in  public ;  he  has  never  thrown  the  reins  on  the  neck  of 
the  winged  horse,  and  let  his  imagination  carry  him  where  it 
listed.  "  Ah !  the  crowd  must  have  emphatic  warrant,"  as 
Browning  sang.  Its  suffrages  are  not  for  the  cool,  collected 
observer,  whose  eyes  no  glitter  can  dazzle,  no  mist  suffuse. 
The  many  cannot  but  resent  that  air  of  lofty  intelligence,  that 
pale  and  subtle  smile.  But  he  will  hold  a  place  forever  among 
that  limited  number,  who,  like  Lucretius  and  Epicurus — with- 
out range  or  defiance,  even  without  unbecoming  mirth,  look 
deep  into  the  tangled  mysteries  of  things ;  refuse  credence  to 
the  absurd,  and  allegiance  to  arrogant  authority;  sufficiently 
conscious  of  fallibility  to  be  tolerant  of  all  opinions ;  with  a  faith 
too  wide  for  doctrine  and  a  benevolence  untrammelled  by 
creed ;  too  wise  to  be  wholly  poets,  and  yet  too  surely  poets  to 
be  implacably  wise. 


THE  RUBAIYAT 

Wake !    For  the  Sun,  who  scatter'd  into  flight 
The  Stars  before  him  from  the  Field  of  Night, 

Drives  Night  along  with  them  from   Heav'n,  and 

strikes 
The  Sultan's  Turret  with  a  Shaft  of  Light. 

Before  the  phantom  of  False  morning  died, 
Methought  a  Voice  within  the  Tavern  cried, 

"  When  all  the  Temple  is  prepared  within, 
"  Why  nods  the  drowsy  Worshipper  outside  ?  " 

And,  as  the  Cock  crew,  those  who  stood  before 
The  Tavern  shouted — "  Open  then  the  Door ! 

"  You  know  how  little  while  we  have  to  stay, 
"And,  once  departed,  may  return  no  more." 

Now  the  New  Year  reviving  old  Desires, 
The  thoughtful  Soul  to  Solitude  retires, 

Where  the  White  Hand  of  Moses  on  the  Bough 
Puts  out,  and  Jesus  from  the  Ground  suspires. 

Iram  indeed  is  gone  with  all  his  Rose, 

And  Jemshyd's  Sev'n-ring'd  Cup  where  no  one  knows ; 

But  still  a  Ruby  kindles  in  the  Vine, 
And  many  a  Garden  by  the  Water  blows. 

And  David's  lips  are  lockt ;  but  in  divine 
High-piping  Pehlevi,  with  "  Wine !   Wine !   Wine ! 

"  Red  Wine !  " — the  Nightingale  cries  to  the  Rose 
That  sallow  cheek  of  hers  to'  incarnadine. 

Come,  fill  the  Cup,  and  in  the  fire  of  Spring 
Your  Winter-garment  of  Repentance  fling: 

The  Bird  of  Time  has  but  a  little  way 
To  flutter — and  the  Bird  is  on  the  Wing. 
349 


35o  OMAR   KHAYYAM 

Whether  at  Nishapiir  or  Babylon, 
Whether  the  Cup  with  sweet  or  bitter  run, 

The  Wine  of  Life  keeps  oozing  drop  by  drop, 
The  Leaves  of  Life  keep  falling  one  by  one. 

Each  Morn  a  thousand  Roses  brings,  you  say ; 
Yes,  but  where  leaves  the  Rose  of  Yesterday? 

And  this  first  Summer  month  that  brings  the  Rose 
Shall  take  Jemshid  and  Kai-kobad  away. 

Well,  let  it  take  them !    What  have  we  to  do 
With  Kai-kobad  the  Great,  or  Kai-khosrau  ? 

Let  Zal  and  Rustem  bluster  as  they  will, 
Or  Hatim  call  to  Supper — heed  not  you. 

With  me  along  the  strip  of  Herbage  strewn 
That  just  divides  the  desert  from  the  sown, 

Where  name  of  Slave  and  Sultan  is  forgot — 
And  Peace  to  Mahmud  on  his  golden  Throne ! 

A  Book  of  Verses  underneath  the  Bough, 
A  Jug  of  Wine,  a  Loaf  of  Bread — and  Thou 

Beside  me  singing  in  the  Wilderness — 
Oh,  Wilderness  were  Paradise  enow! 

Some  for  the  Glories  of  This  World ;  and  some 
Sigh  for  the  Prophet's  Paradise  to  come ; 

Ah,  take  the  Cash,  and  let  the  Credit  go, 
Nor  heed  the  rumble  of  a  distant  Drum! 

*      Look  to  the  blowing  Rose  about  us — "  Lo, 
"  Laughing,"  she  says,  "  into  the  world  I  blow, 

"  At  once  the  silken  tassel  of  my  Purse 
"  Tear,  and  its  Treasure  on  the  Garden  throw." 

And  those  who  husbanded  the  Golden  grain, 
And  those  who  flung  it  to  the  winds  like  Rain, 

Alike  to  no  such  aureate  Earth  are  turn'd 
As,  buried  once,  Men  want  dug  up  again. 


THE 

The  Worldly  Hope  men  set  their  Hearts  upon 
Turns  Ashes  —  or  it  prospers;   and  anon, 

Like  Snow  upon  the  Desert's  dusty  Face, 
Lighting  a  little  hour  or  two  —  is  gone. 

Think,  in  this  batter'd  Caravanserai 
Whose  Portals  are  alternate  Night  and  Day, 
How  Sultan  after  Sultan  with  his  Pomp 
Abode  his  destined  Hour,  and  went  his  way. 

They  say  the  Lion  and  the  Lizard  keep 

The  Courts  where  Jemshid  gloried  and  drank  deep  : 

And  Bahram,  that  great  Hunter  —  the  Wild  Ass 
Stamps  o'er  his  Head,  but  cannot  break  his  Sleep. 

I  sometimes  think  that  never  blows  so  red 
The  Rose  as  where  some  buried  Caesar  bled; 

That  every  Hyacinth  the  Garden  wears 
Dropt  in  her  Lap  from  some  once  lovely  Head. 

And  this  reviving  Herb  whose  tender  Green 
Fledges  the  River-Lip  on  which  we  lean  — 
Ah,  lean  upon  it  lightly  !   for  who  knows 
From  what  once  lovely  Lip  it  springs  unseen  ! 

Ah,  my  Beloved,  fill  the  Cup  that  clears 
To-day  of  past  Regrets  and  future  Fears: 

To-morrow!  —  Why,  To-morrow  I  may  be 
Myself  with  Yesterday's  Sev'n  thousand  Years. 

For  some  we  loved,  the  loveliest  and  the  best 
That  from  his  Vintage  rolling  Time  hath  prest, 
Have  drunk  their  Cup  a  Round  or  two  before, 
And  one  by  one  crept  silently  to  rest. 

And  we,  that  now  make  merry  in  the  Room 
They  left,  and  Summer  dresses  in  new  bloom, 

Ourselves  must  we  beneath  the  Couch  of  Earth 
Descend  —  ourselves  to  make  a  Couch  —  for  whom  ? 


351 


352  OMAR    KHAYYAM 

Ah,  make  the  most  of  what  we  yet  may  spend, 
Before  we  too  into  the  Dust  descend ; 

Dust  into  Dust,  and  under  Dust  to  lie, 
Sans  Wine,  sans  Song,  sans  Singer,  and — sans  End! 

Alike  for  those  who  for  TO-DAY  prepare, 
And  those  that  after  some  TO-MORROW  stare, 

A  Muezzin  from  the  Tower  of  Darkness  cries, 
"  Fools !  your  Reward  is  neither  Here  nor  There." 

Why,  all  the  Saints  and  Sages  who  discuss'd 
Of  the  Two  Worlds  so  wisely — they  are  thrust 

Like  foolish  Prophets  forth ;  their  Words  to  Scorn 
Are  scatter'd,  and  their  Mouths  are  stopt  with  Dust. 

Myself  when  young  did  eagerly  frequent 
Doctor  and  Saint,  and  heard  great  argument 

About  it  and  about:  but  evermore 
Came  out  by  the  same  door  where  in  I  went. 

With  them  the  seed  of  Wisdom  did  I  sow, 

And  with  mine  own  hand  wrought  to  make  it  grow ; 

And  this  was  all  the  Harvest  that  I  reap'd — 
"  I  came  like  Water,  and  like  Wind  I  go." 

Into  this  Universe,  and  Why  not  knowing 
Nor  Whence,  like  Water  willy-nilly  flowing ; 

And  out  of  it,  as  Wind  along  the  Waste, 
I  know  not  Whither,  willy-nilly  blowing. 

What,  without  asking,  hither  hurried  Whence? 
And,  without  asking,  Whither  hurried  hence ! 

Oh,  many  a  Cup  of  this  forbidden  Wine 
Must  drown  the  memory  of  that  insolence ! 

Up  from  Earth's  Centre  through  the  Seventh  Gate 
I  rose,  and  on  the  Throne  of  Saturn  sate, 

And  many  a  Knot  unravel'd  by  the  Road ; 
But  not  the  Master-knot  of  Human  Fate. 


THE   RUBAIYXT  353 

There  was  the  Door  to  which  I  found  no  Key ; 
There  was  the  Veil  through  which  I  might  not  see : 

Some  little  talk  awhile  of  ME  and  THEE 
There  was — and  then  no  more  of  THEE  and  ME. 

Earth  could  not  answer ;  nor  the  Seas  that  mourn 
In  flowing  Purple,  of  their  Lord  forlorn; 

Nor  rolling  Heaven,  with  all  his  Signs  reveal'd 
And  hidden  by  the  sleeve  of  Night  and  Morn. 

Then  of  the  THEE  IN  ME  who  works  behind 
The  Veil,  I  lifted  up  my  hands  to  find 

A  lamp  amid  the  Darkness ;  and  I  heard, 
As  from  Without — "  THE  ME  WITHIN  THEE  BLIND  !  " 

Then  to  the  Lip  of  this  poor  earthen  Urn 
I  lean'd,  the  Secret  of  my  Life  to  learn: 

And  Lip  to  Lip  it  murmur'd — "  While  you  live, 
"  Drink ! — for,  once  dead,  you  never  shall  return." 

I  think  the  Vessel,  that  with  fugitive 
Articulation  answer'd,  once  did  live, 

And  drink ;   and  Ah !  the  passive  Lip  I  kiss'd, 
How  many  Kisses  might  it  take — and  give! 

For  I  remember  stopping  by  the  way 
To  watch  a  Potter  thumping  his  wet  Clay : 

And  with  its  all-obliterated  Tongue 
It  murmur'd — "  Gently,  Brother,  gently,  pray !  " 

And  has  not  such  a  story  from  of  Old 
Down  Man's  successive  generations  roll'd 

Of  such  a  clod  of  saturated  Earth 
Cast  by  the  Maker  into  Human  mould  ? 

And  not  a  drop  that  from  our  Cups  we  throw 
For  Earth  to  drink  of,  but  may  steal  below 

To  quench  the  fire  of  Anguish  in  some  Eye 
There  hidden — far  beneath,  and  long  ago. 

VOL.  I. — 23 


354  OMAR   KHAYYAM 

As  then  the  Tulip  for  her  morning  sup 

Of  Heav'nly  Vintage  from  the  soil  looks  up, 

Do  you  devoutly  do  the  like,  till  Heav'n 
To  Earth  invert  you — like  an  empty  Cup. 

v  Perplext  no  more  with  Human  or  Divine, 
To-morrow's  tangle  to  the  winds  resign, 
And  lose  your  fingers  in  the  tresses  of 
The  Cypress-slender  Minister  of  Wine. 

And  if  the  Wine  you  drink,  the  Lip  you  press, 
End  in  what  All  begins  and  ends  in — Yes; 

Think  then  you  are  To-day  what  Yesterday 
You  were — To-morrow  you  shall  not  be  less. 

So  when  that  Angel  of  the  darker  Drink 
At  last  shall  find  you  by  the  river-brink, 

And,  offering  his  Cup,  invite  your  Soul 
Forth  to  your  Lips  to  quaff — you  shall  not  shrink. 

Why,  if  the  Soul  can  fling  the  Dust  aside, 
And  naked  on  the  Air  of  Heaven  ride, 
•     Were't  not  a  Shame — were't  not  a  Shame  for  him 
In  this  clay  carcase  crippled  to  abide? 

'Tis  but  a  Tent  where  takes  his  one  day's  rest 
A  Sultan  to  the  realm  of  Death  addrest ; 

The  Sultan  rises,  and  the  dark  Ferrash 
Strikes,  and  prepares  it  for  another  Guest. 

And  fear  not  lest  Existence  closing  your 

Account,  and  mine,  should  know  the  like  no  more ; 

The  Eternal  Saki  from  the  Bowl  has  pour'd 
Millions  of  Bubbles  like  us,  and  will  pour. 

When  You  and  I  behind  the  Veil  are  past, 

Oh,  but  the  long,  long  while  the  World  shall  last, 

Which  of  our  Coming  and  Departure  heeds 
As  the  Sea's  self  should  heed  a  pebble-cast. 


THE   RUBAIY/T  355 

A  Moment's  Halt — a  momentary  taste 

Of  Being  from  the  Well  amid  the  Waste — 

And  Lo! — the  phantom  Caravan  has  reach'd 
The  Nothing  it  set  out  from — Oh,  make  haste! 

Would  you  that  spangle  of  Existence  spend 
About  THE  SECRET — quick  about  it,  Friend! 

A  Hair  perhaps  divides  the  False  and  True — 
And  upon  what,  prithee,  may  life  depend? 

A  Hair  perhaps  divides  the  False  and  True; 
Yes ;   and  a  single  Alif  were  the  clue — 

Could  you  but  find  it — to  the  Treasure-house, 
And  peradventure  to  THE  MASTER  too ; 

Whose  secret  Presence,  through  Creation's  veins 
Running  Quicksilver-like  eludes  your  pains ; 

Taking  all  shapes  from  Mah  to  Mahi ;   and 
They  change  and  perish  all — but  He  remains ; 

A  moment  guess'd — then  back  behind  the  Fold 
Immerst  of  Darkness  round  the  Drama  roll'd 

Which,  for  the  Pastime  of  Eternity, 
He  doth  Himself  contrive,  enact,  behold. 

But  if  in  vain,  down  on  the  stubborn  floor 

Of  Earth,  and  up  to  Heav'n's  unopening  Door, 

You  gaze  To-day,  while  You  are  You — how  then 
To-morrow,  You  when  shall  be  You  no  more? 

Waste  not  your  Hour,  nor  in  the  vain  pursuit 
Of  This  and  That  endeavor  and  dispute ; 

Better  be  jocund  with  the  fruitful  Grape 
Than  sadden  after  none,  or  bitter,  Fruit. 

You  know,  my  Friends,  with  what  a  brave  Carouse 
I  made  a  Second  Marriage  in  my  house; 

Divorced  old  barren  Reason  from  my  Bed, 
And  took  the  Daughter  of  the  Vine  to  Spouse. 


356  OMAR   KHAYYAM 

For  "  Is  "  and  "  Is-not "  though  with  Rule  and  Line 
And  "  Up-and-down  "  by  Logic  I  define, 
Of  all  that  one  should  care  to  fathom,  I 
Was  never  deep  in  anything  but — Wine. 

Ah,  but  my  Computations,  People  say, 
Reduced  the  Year  to  better  reckoning? — Nay, 

'Twas  only  striking  from  the  Calendar 
Unborn  To-morrow,  and  dead  Yesterday. 

And  lately,  by  the  Tavern  Door  agape, 

Came  shining  through  the  Dusk  an  Angel  Shape 

Bearing  a  Vessel  on  his  Shoulder ;  and 
He  bid  me  taste  of  it ;  and  'twas — the  Grape ! 

The  Grape  that  can  with  Logic  absolute 
The  Two-and- Seventy  jarring  Sects  confute: 

The  Sovereign  Alchemist  that  in  a  trice 
Life's  leaden  metal  into  Gold  transmute: 

The  mighty  Mahmud,  Allah-breathing  Lord, 
That  all  the  misbelieving  and  black  Horde 

Of  Fears  and  Sorrows  that  infest  the  Soul 
Scatters  before  him  with  his  whirlwind  Sword. 


Why,  be  this  Juice  the  growth  of  God,  who  dare 
Blaspheme  the  twisted  tendril  as  a  Snare? 

A  Blessing,  we  should  use  it,  should  we  not? 
And  if  a  Curse — why,  then,  Who  set  it  there? 

I  must  abjure  the  Balm  of  Life,  I  must, 
Scared  by  some  After-reckoning  ta'en  on  trust, 
Or  lured  with  Hope  of  some  Diviner  Drink, 
To  fill  the  Cup — when  crumbled  into  Dust ! 

Oh  threats  of  Hell  and  Hopes  of  Paradise ! 
One  thing  at  least  is  certain — This  Life  flies; 

One  thing  is  certain  and  the  rest  is  Lies ; 
The  Flower  that  once  has  blown  forever  dies. 


THE   RUBAIYAT  357 

Strange,  is  it  not  ?  that  of  the  myriads  who 
Before  us  pass'd  the  door  of  Darkness  through, 

Not  one  returns  to  tell  us  of  the  Road, 
.Which  to  discover  we  must  travel  too. 


The  Revelations  of  Devout  and  Learn'd 
Who  rose  before  us,  and  as  Prophets  burn'd, 

Are  all  but  Stories,  which,  awoke  from  Sleep 
They  told  their  comrades,  and  to  Sleep  return'd. 

I  sent  my  Soul  through  the  Invisible, 
Some  letter  of  that  After-life  to  spell : 

And  by  and  by  my  Soul  return'd  to  me, 
And  answer'd,  "  I  Myself  am  Heav'n  and  Hell :" 

Heav'n  but  the  Vision  of  fulfill'd  Desire, 
And  Hell  the  Shadow  from  a  Soul  on  fire, 

Cast  on  the  Darkness  into  which  Ourselves, 
So  late  emerged  from,  shall  so  soon  expire. 

We  are  no  other  than  a  moving  row 

Of  Magic  Shadow-shapes  that  come  and  go 

Round  with  the  Sun-illumined  Lantern  held 
In  Midnight  by  the  Master  of  the  Show ; 

But  helpless  Pieces  of  the  Game  He  plays 
Upon  this  Checker-board  of  Nights  and  Days ; 

Hither  and  thither  moves,  and  checks,  and  slays, 
And  one  by  one  back  in  the  Closet  lays. 

The  Ball  no  question  makes  of  Ayes  and  Noes, 
But  Here  or  There  as  strikes  the  Player  goes ; 
And  He  that  toss'd  you  down  into  the  Field, 
He  knows  about  it  all — HE  knows — HE  knows ! 

The  Moving  Finger  writes ;  and,  having  writ, 
Moves  on :  nor  all  your  Piety  nor  Wit 

Shall  lure  it  back  to  cancel  half  a  Line, 
Nor  all  your  Tears  wash  out  a  Word  of  it. 


358  OMAR   KHAYYAM 

And  that  inverted  Bowl  they  call  the  Sky, 
Whereunder  crawling  coop'd  we  live  and  die, 
Lift  not  your  hands  to  It  for  help — for  It 
As  impotently  moves  as  you  or  I. 

With  Earth's  first  Clay  They  did  the  Last  Man  knead, 
And  there  of  the  Last  Harvest  sow'd  the  Seed : 

And  the  first  Morning  of  Creation  wrote 
What  the  Last  Dawn  of  Reckoning  shall  read. 

Yesterday  This  Day's  Madness  did  prepare; 
To-morrow's  Silence,  Triumph,  or  Despair: 

Drink !  for  you  know  not  whence  you  came,  nor  why ; 
Drink !   for  you  know  not  why  you  go,  nor  where. 

I  tell  you  this — When,  started  from  the  Goal, 
Over  the  flaming  shoulders  of  the  Foal 

Of  Heav'n  Parwin  and  Mushtari  they  flung, 
In  my  predestined  Plot  of  Dust  and  Soul 

The  Vine  had  struck  a  fibre:   which  about 
If  clings  my  Being — let  the  Dervish  flout; 

Of  my  Base  metal  may  be  filed  a  Key, 
That  shall  unlock  the  Door  he  howls  without. 

And  this  I  know :  whether  the  one  True  Light 
Kindle  to  Love,  or  Wrath-consume  me  quite, 
One  Flash  of  It  within  the  Tavern  caught . 
Better  than  in  the  Temple  lost  outright. 

What !  out  of  senseless  Nothing  to  provoke 
A  conscious  Something  to  resent  the  yoke 

Of  unpermitted  Pleasure,  under  pain 
Of  Everlasting  Penalties,  if  broke ! 

What !   from  his  helpless  Creature  be  repaid 
Pure  Gold  for  what  he  lent  him  dross-allay'd — 

Sue  for  a  Debt  he  never  did  contract, 
And  cannot  answer — Oh  the  sorry  trade! 


THE   RUB/IYAT  359 

Oh  Thou,  who  didst  with  pitfall  and  with  gin 
Beset  the  Road  I  was  to  wander  in, 

Thou  wilt  not  with  Predestined  Evil  round 
Enmesh,  and  then  impute  my  Fall  to  Sin ! 

Oh  Thou,  who  Man  of  baser  Earth  didst  make, 
And  ev'n  with  Paradise  devise  the  Snake: 

For  all  the  Sin  wherewith  the  Face  of  Man 
Is  blacken'd — Man's  forgiveness  give — and  take! 


As  under  cover  of  departing  Day 
Slunk  hunger-stricken  Ramazan  away, 

Once  more  within  the  Potter's  house  alone 
I  stood,  surrounded  by  the  Shapes  of  Clay. 

Shapes  of  all  Sorts  and  Sizes,  great  and  small, 
That  stood  along  the  floor  and  by  the  wall ; 

And  some  loquacious  Vessels  were;   and  some 
Listen'd  perhaps,  but  never  talk'd  at  all. 

Said  one  among  them — "  Surely  not  in  vain 
"  My  substance  of  the  common  Earth  was  ta'en 

"  And  to  this  Figure  moulded,  to  be  broke, 
"  Or  trampled  back  to  shapeless  Earth  again." 

Then  said  a  Second — "  Ne'er  a  peevish  Boy 

"  Would  break  the  Bowl  from  which  he  drank  in  joy ; 

"  And  He  that  with  his  hand  the  Vessel  made 
"  Will  surely  not  in  after  Wrath  destroy." 

After  a  momentary  silence  spake 

Some  Vessel  of  a  more  ungainly  Make; 

"  They  sneer  at  me  for  leaning  all  awry : 
"  What !   did  the  Hand  then  of  the  Potter  shake?  " 

Whereat  some  one  of  the  loquacious  Lot — 
I  think  a  Sufi  pipkin — waxing  hot — 

"  All  this  of  Pot  and  Potter— Tell  me  then, 
"  Who  is  the  Potter,  pray,  and  who  the  Pot?  " 


360  OMAR   KHAYYAM 

"  Why,"  said  another,  "  Some  there  are  who  tell 
"  Of  one  who  threatens  he  will  toss  to  Hell 

I  "  The  luckless  Pots  he  marr'd  in  making — Pish ! 
"  He's  a  Good  Fellow,  and  't  will  all  be  well." 

"  Well,"  murmur'd  one,  "  Let  whoso  make  or  buy, 
"  My  Clay  with  long  Oblivion  is  gone  dry : 
"  But  fill  me  with  the  old  familiar  Juice, 
"  Methinks  I  might  recover  by  and  by." 

So  while  the  Vessels  one  by  one  were  speaking, 
The  little  Moon  look'd  in  that  all  were  seeking : 

And  then  they  jogg'd  each  other,  "  Brother !  Brother  I 
"  Now  for  the  Potter's  shoulder-knot  a-creaking !  " 


Ah,  with  the  Grape  my  fading  Life  provide, 
And  wash  the  Body  whence  the  Life  has  died, 

And  lay  me,  shrouded  in  the  living  Leaf, 
By  some  not  unfrequented  Garden-side. 

That  ev'n  my  buried  Ashes  such  a  snare 
Of  Vintage  shall  fling  up  into  the  Air 

As  not  a  True-believer  passing  by 
But  shall  be  overtaken  unaware. 

Indeed  the  Idols  I  have  loved  so  long 

Have  done  my  credit  in  this  World  much  wrong: 

Have  drown'd  my  Glory  in  a  shallow  Cup, 
And  sold  my  Reputation  for  a  Song. 

Indeed,  indeed,  Repentance  oft  before 
I  swore — but  was  I  sober  when  I  swore? 

And  then  and  then  came  Spring,  and  Rose-in-hand 
My  threadbare  Penitence  apieces  tore. 

And  much  as  Wine  has  play'd  the  Infidel, 
And  robb'd  me  of  my  Robe  of  Honor — Well, 

I  wonder  often  what  the  Vintners  buy 
One  half  so  precious  as  the  stuff  they  sell. 


THE   RUBlYx  361 

Yet  Ah,  that  Spring  should  vanish  with  the  Rose ! 
That  Youth's  sweet-scented  manuscript  should  close! 

The  Nightingale  that  in  the  branches  sang, 
Ah  whence,  and  whither  flown  again,  who  knows! 

Would  but  the  Desert  of  the  Fountain  yield 
One  glimpse — if  dimly,  yet  indeed,  reveal'd, 

To  which  the  fainting  Traveller  might  spring, 
As  springs  the  trampled  herbage  of  the  field ! 

Would  but  some  winged  Angel  ere  too  late 
Arrest  the  yet  unfolded  Roll  of  Fate, 

And  make  the  stern  Recorder  otherwise 
Enregister,  or  quite  obliterate! 

Ah  Love!   could  you  and  I  with  Him  conspire 
To  grasp  this  sorry  Scheme  of  Things  entire, 
Would  not  we  shatter  it  to  bits — and  then 
Re-mould  it  nearer  to  the  Heart's  Desire ! 


Yon  rising  Moon  that  looks  for  us  again — 
How  oft  hereafter  will  she  wax  and  wane; 

How  oft  hereafter  rising  look  for  us 
Through  this  same  Garden — and  for  one  in  vain ! 

And  when  like  her,  oh  Saki,  you  shall  pass 
Among  the  Guests  Star-scatter'd  on  the  Grass, 

And  in  your  joyous  errand  reach  the  spot 
Where  I  made  One — turn  down  an  empty  Glass! 


THE    DIVAN 

BY 

HAFIZ 

[Translation  by  H.  Bicknell] 


NOTE 

The  reader  will  be  struck  with  the  apparent  want  of  unity  in  many  of 
the  Odes.  The  Orientals  compare  each  couplet  to  a  single  pearl  and 
the  entire  "  Ghazal,"  or  Ode,  to  a  string  of  pearls.  It  is  the  rhyme,  not 
necessarily  the  sense,  which  links  them  together.  Hence  the  single 
pearls  or  couplets  may  often  be  arranged  in  various  orders  without  in- 
jury to  the  general  effect;  and  it  would  probably  be  impossible  to  find 
two  manuscripts  either  containing  the  same  number  of  Odes,  or  having 
the  same  couplets  following  each  other  in  the  same  order. 


INTRODUCTION 

WE  are  told  in  the  Persian  histories  that  when  Tamer- 
lane, on  his  victorious  progress  through  the  East,  had 
reached  Shiraz,  he  halted  before  the  gates  of  the  city 
and  sent  two  of  his  followers  to  search  in  the  bazar  for  a  cer- 
tain dervish  Muhammad  Shams-ad-din,  better  known  to  the 
world  by  the  name  of  Hafiz.  And  when  this  man  of  religion, 
wearing  the  simple  woollen  garment  of  a  sufi,  was  brought 
into  the  presence  of  the  great  conqueror,  he  was  nothing 
abashed  at  the  blaze  of  silks  and  jewelry  which  decorated  the 
pavilion  where  Tamerlane  sat  in  state.  And  Tamerlane,  meet- 
ing the  poet  with  a  frown  of  anger,  said,  "  Art  not  thou  the 
insolent  verse-monger  who  didst  offer  my  two  great  cities 
Samarkand  and  Bokhara  for  the  black  mole  upon  thy  lady's 
f  cheek?"  "It  is  true,"  replied  Hafiz  calmly,  smiling,  "and 
indeed  my  munificence  has  been  so  great  throughout  my  life, 
that  it  has  left  me  destitute,  so  that  I  shall  be  hereafter  de- 
pendent upon  thy  generosity  for  a  livelihood."  The  reply  of 
the  poet,  as  well  as  his  imperturbable  self-possession,  pleased 
the  Asiatic  Alexander,  and  he  dismissed  Hafiz  with  a  liberal 
present. 

This  story,  we  are  told,  cannot  be  true,  for  Tamerlane  did 
not  reach  Shiraz  until  after  the  death  of  the  greatest  of  Per- 
sian lyric  poets ;  but  if  it  is  not  true  in  fact,  it  is  true  in  spirit, 
and  gives  the  real  key  to  the  character  of  Hafiz.  For  we  must 
look  upon  Hafiz  as  one  of  the  few  poets  in  the  world  who 
1  utters  an  unbroken  strain  of  joy  and  contentment.  His  pov- 
;  erty  was  to  him  a  constant  fountain  of  satisfaction,  and  he 
frankly  took  the  natural  joys  of  life  as  they  came,  supported 
under  every  vicissitude  by  his  religious  sense  of  the  goodness 
and  kindliness  of  the  One  God,  manifested  in  everything  in 
the  world  that  was  sweet  and  genial,  and  beautiful  to  behold. 
It  is  strange  that  we  have  to  go  to  the  literature  of  Persia  to 
find  a  poet  whose  deep  religious  convictions  were  fully  recon- 

365 


366 


THE  DIVAN 


ciled  with  the  theory  of  human  existence  which  was  nothing 
more  or  less  than  an  optimistic  hedonism.  There  is  nothing 
parallel  to  this  in  classic  literature.  The  greatest  of  Roman 
Epicureans,  the  materialist,  whose  maxim  was :  enjoy  the  pres- 
ent for  there  is  no  God,  and  no  to-morrow,  speaks  despairingly 
of  that  drop  of  bitterness,  which  rises  in  the  fountain  of  Delight 
and  brings  torture,  even  amid  the  roses  of  the  feast.  It  is 
with  mocking  irony  that  Dante  places  Epicurus  in  the  furnace - 
tombs  of  his  Inferno  amid  those  heresiarchs  who  denied  the 
I  immortality  of  the  soul.  Hafiz  was  an  Epicurean  without  the 
1  atheism  or  the  despair  of  Epicurus.  The  roses  in  his  feast  are 
ever  fresh  and  sweet  and  there  is  nothing  of  bitterness  in  the 
perennial  fountain  of  his  Delight.  This  unruffled  serenity,  this 
joyful  acceptance  of  material  existence  and  its  pleasures  are 
not  in  the  Persian  poet  the  result  of  the  carelessness  and  shal- 
lowness  of  Horace,  or  the  cold-blooded  worldliness  and  sen- 
suality of  Martial.  The  theory  of  life  which  Hafiz  entertained 
was  founded  upon  the  relation  of  the  human  soul  to  God.  The 
one  God  of  Sufism  was  a  being  of  exuberant  benignity,  from  i 
whose  creative  essence  proceeded  the  human  soul,  whose  ex- 1 
periences  on  earth  were  intended  to  fit  it  for  re-entrance  into 
the  circle  of  light  and  re-absorption  into  the  primeval  fountain 
of  being.  In  accordance  with  the  beautiful  and  pathetic  im- 
agery of  the  Mystic,  life  was  merely  a  journey  of  many  stages, 
and  every  manifestation  of  life  which  the  traveller  met  on  the 
high  road  was  a  manifestation  and  a  gift  of  God  Himself. 
Every  stage  on  the  journey  towards  God  which  the  soul  made 
in  its  religious  experience  was  like  a  wayside  inn  in  which  to 
,  rest  awhile  before  resuming  the  onward  course.  The  pleasures 
of  life,  all  that  charmed  the  eye,  all  that  gratified  the  senses, 
every  draught  that  intoxicated,  and  every  fruit  that  pleased 
'the  palate,  were,  in  the  pantheistic  doctrine  of  the  Sufi  consid- 
ered as  equally  good,  because  God  was  in  each  of  them,  and 
,to  partake  of  them  was  therefore  to  be  united  more  closely 
iwith  God.  Never  was  a  theology  so  well  calculated  to  put  to 
rest  the  stings  of  doubt  or  the  misgivings  of  the  pleasure- 
seeker.  This  theology  is  of  the  very  essence  of  Hafiz's  poetry. 
It  is  in  full  reliance  on  this  interpretation  of  the  significance 
of  human  existence  that  Hafiz  faces  the  fierce  Tamerlane  with 
'  a  placid  smile,  plunges  without  a  qualm  into  the  deepest  abysses 
i  of  pleasure,  finds  in  the  love-song  of  the  nightingale  the  voice 


INTRODUCTION  367 

of  God,  and  in  the  bright  eyes  of  women  and  the  beaker  brim- 
ming with  crimson  wine  the  choicest  sacraments  of  life,  the 
holiest  and  the  most  sublime  intermediaries  between  divine  and 
human  life. 

It  is  this  that  makes  Hafiz  almost  the  only  poet  of  unadul- 
terated gladsomeness  that  the  world  has  ever  known.  There  is 
no  shadow  in  his  sky,  no  discord  in  his  music,  no  bitterness 
in  his  cup.  He  passes  through  life  like  a  happy  pilgrim,  singing 
all  the  way,  mounting  in  his  own  way  from  strength  to  strength, 
sure  of  a  welcome  when  he  reaches  the  goal,  contented  with 
himself,  because  every  manifestation  of  life,  of  which  he  is 
conscious  must  be  the  stirrings  within  him  of  that  divinity  of 
which  he  is  a  portion.  When  we  have  thus  spoken  of  Hafiz 
we  have  said  almost  all  that  is  known  of  the  Persian  lyric 
poet,  for  to  know  Hafiz  we  must  read  his  verses,  whose  magic 
charm  is  as  great  for  Europeans  as  for  Asiatics.  The  endless 
variety  of  his  expressions,  the  deep  earnestness  of  his  con- 
victions, the  persistent  gayety  of  his  tone,  are  qualities  of  irre- 
sistible attractiveness.  Even  to  this  day  his  tomb  is  visited 
as  the  Mecca  of  literary  pilgrims,  and  his  numbers  are  cher- 
ished in  the  memory  and  uttered  on  the  tongue  of  all  educated 
Persians.  The  particulars  of  his  life  may  be  briefly  epitomized 
as  follows:  He  was  born  at  Shiraz  in  the  early  part  of  the 
fourteenth  century,  dying  in  the  year  1388.  The  name  Hafiz 
means,  literally,  the  man  who  remembers,  and  was  applied  to 
himself  by  Hafiz  from  the  fact  that  he  became  a  professor  of 
the  Mohammedan  scriptures,  and  for  this  purpose  had  com- 
mitted to  memory  the  text  of  the  Koran.  His  manner  of  life 
was  not  approved  of  by  the  dervishes  of  the  monastic  college 
in  which  he  taught,  and  he  satirizes  his  colleagues  in  revenge 
for  their  animadversions.  The  whole  Mohammedan  world 
hailed  with  delight  the  lyrics  which  Hafiz  published  to  the 
world,  and  kings  and  rulers  vied  with  each  other  in  making 
offers  to  him  of  honors  and  hospitality.  At  one  time  he  started 
for  India  on  the  invitation  of  a  great  Southern  Prince,  who 
sent  a  vessel  to  meet  him  on  the  way,  but  the  hardships  of  the 
sea  were  too  severe  for  him,  and  he  made  his  way  back  to 
Shiraz  without  finishing  his  journey. 

His  out-and-out  pantheism,  as  well  as  his  manner  of  life, 
caused  him  at  his  death  to  be  denied  burial  in  consecrated 
ground.  The  ecclesiastical  authorities  were,  however,  induced 


368  THE  DIVAN 

to  relent  in  their  plan  of  excommunication  at  the  dictates  of 
a  passage  from  the  poet's  writings,  which  was  come  upon  by 
opening  the  book  at  random.  The  passage  ran  as  follows: 
"  Turn  not  thy  feet  from  the  bier  of  Hafiz,  for  though  im- 
mersed in  sin,  he  will  be  admitted  into  Paradise."  And  so 
he  rests  in  the  cemetery  at  Shiraz,  where  the  nightingales  are 
singing  and  the  roses  bloom  the  year  through,  and  the  doves 
gather  with  low  murmurs  amid  the  white  stones  of  the  sacred 
enclosure.  The  poets  of  nature,  the  mystical  pantheist,  the 
joyous  troubadour  of  life,  Hafiz,  in  the  naturalness  and  spon- 
taneity of  his  poetry,  and  in  the  winning  sweetness  of  his 
imagery,  occupies  a  unique  place  in  the  literature  of  the  world, 
and  has  no  rival  in  his  special  domain. 


FRAGMENT  BY   HAF1Z 

In  Praise  of  His  Verses. 

The  beauty  of  these  verses  baffles  praise: 

What  guide  is  needed  to  the  solar  blaze? 

Extol  that  artist  by  whose  pencil's  aid 

The  virgin,  Thought,  so  richly  is  arrayed. 

For  her  no  substitute  can  reason  show, 

Nor  any  like  her  human  judgment  know. 

This  verse,  a  miracle,  or  magic  white — 

Brought  down  some  voice   from  Heaven,  or  Gabriel 

bright  ? 

By  me  as  by  none  else  are  secrets  sung, 
No  pearls  of  poesy  like  mine  are  strung. 
VOL.  I. — 24 


THE  DIVAN 


"  Ala  ya  ayyuha's-Saki !  " — pass  round  and  offer  thou  the 

bowl, 
For  love,  which  seemed  at  first  so  easy,  has  now  brought 

trouble  to  my  soul. 

With  yearning  for  the  pod's  aroma,  which  by  the  East 

that  lock  shall  spread 
From  that  crisp  curl  of  musky  odor,  how  plenteously  our 

hearts  have  bled! 

Stain  with  the  tinge  of  wine  thy  prayer-mat,  if  thus  the 

aged  Magian  bid, 
For  from  the  traveller  from  the  Pathway*  no  stage  nor 

usage  can  be  hid. 

Shall  my  beloved  one's  house  delight  me,  when  issues  ever 

and  anon 
From  the  relentless  bell  the  mandate :   "  Tis  time  to  bind 

thy  litters  on  "  ? 

The  waves  are  wild,  the  whirlpool  dreadful,  the  shadow 

of  the  night  steals  o'er, 
How  can  my  fate  excite  compassion  in  the  light-burdened 

of  the  shore? 

Each  action  of  my  froward  spirit  has  won  me  an  oppro- 
brious name ; 

Can  any  one  conceal  the  secret  which  the  assembled 
crowds  proclaim? 

* "  The  traveller  of  the   Pathway " —  vansaries     grew     popular,     the     term 

the     Magian,     or     Shaikh.    In     former  Magian  was  used  to  designate  not  only 

times  wine  was  chiefly  sold  by  Magians,  "  mine  host,"  but  also  a  wise  old  man, 

and  as  the  keepers  of  taverns  and  cara-  or  spiritual  teacher. 


372  HAFIZ 

If  Joy  be  thy  desire,  O  Hafiz, 

From  Him  far  distant  never  dwell. 

"  As  soon  as  thou  hast  found  thy  Loved  one, 

"  Bid  to  the  world  a  last  farewell." 

II 

Thou  whose  features  clearly-beaming  make  the  moon  of 

Beauty  bright, 
Thou  whose  chin  contains  a  well-pit  *  which  to  Loveliness 

gives  light. 

When,  O  Lord !  shall  kindly  Fortune,  sating  my  ambition, 
pair 

This  my  heart  of  tranquil  nature  and  thy  wild  and  ruf- 
fled hair? 

Pining  for  thy  sight  my  spirit  trembling  on  my  lip  doth 

wait: 
Forth  to  speed  it,  back  to  lead  it,  speak  the  sentence  of 

its  fate. 

Pass  me  with  thy  skirt  uplifted  from  the  dusty  bloody 

ground : 
Many  who  have  been  thy  victims  dead  upon  this  path  are 

found. 

How  this  heart  is  anguish-wasted  let  my  heart's  possessor 

know: 
Friends,  your  souls  and  mine  contemplate,  equal  by  their 

common  woe. 

Aught  of  good  accrues  to  no  one  witched  by  thy  Nar- 
cissus eye: 

Ne'er  let  braggarts  vaunt  their  virtue,  if  thy  drunken  orbs 
are  nigh. 

Soon  my  Fortune  sunk  in  slumber  shall  her  limbs  with 

vigor  brace : 
Dashed  upon  her  eye  is  water,  sprinkled  by  thy  shining 

face. 

*  An    allusion     to     the    dimple    and    moisture  of  the  chin,  considered  great 
beauties  by  Orientals. 


THE  DIVAN  373 

Gather  from  thy  cheek  a  posy,  speed  it  by  the  flying 

East; 
Sent  be  perfume  to  refresh  me  from  thy  garden's  dust 

at  least. 

Hafiz  offers  a  petition,  listen,  and  "  Amen  "  reply : 
"  On  thy  sugar-dropping  rubies  let  me  for  life's  food 
rely." 

Many  a  year  live  on  and  prosper,  Sakis  of  the  court  of 

Jem,* 
E'en  though  I,  to  fill  my  wine-cup,  never  to  your  circle 

come. 

East  wind,  when  to  Yazd  thou  wingest,  say  thou  to  its 
sons  from  me: 

"  May  the  head  of  every  ingrate  ball-like  'neath  your  mall- 
bat  be!" 

"  What  though  from  your  dais  distant,  near  it  by  my  wish 

I  seem ; 
"  Homage  to  your  Ring  I  render,  and  I  make  your  praise 

my  theme." 

Shah  of  Shahs,  of  lofty  planet,  Grant  for  God  what  I 

implore ; 
Let  me,  as  the  sky  above  thee,  Kiss  the  dust  which  strews 

thy  floor. 


V 

Up,  Saki ! let  the  goblet  flow ; 

Strew  with  dust  the  head  of  our  earthly  woe! 

Give  me  thy  cup ;  that,  joy-possessed, 

I  may  tear  this  azure  cowl  from  my  breast,  f 

*  Jem  or  Jemshid,  an  ancient  King  of  cule    upon    Shaikh    Kazan's    order    of 

Persia.    By  Jem  and  his  Sakis  are  to  be  dervishes,    who    were    inimical    to    the 

understood,  in  this  couplet,  the  King  of  brotherhood   of  which    the   poet   was   a 

Yazd  and  his  courtiers.  member.      The      dervishes      mentioned 

t  By    the    azure    cowl    is    implied    the  wore  blue  to  express  their  celestial  as- 

cloak     of     deceit     and     false    humility.  pirations. 
Hafiz  uses  this  expression  to  cast  ridi- 


374  HAFIZ 

The  wise  may  deem  me  lost  to  shame, 
But  no  care  have  I  for  renown  or  name. 

Bring  wine! — how  many  a  witless  head 

By  the  wind  of  pride  has  with  dust  been  spread ! 

My  bosom's  fumes,  my  sighs  so  warm, 

Have  inflamed  yon  crude  and  unfeeling  swarm.* 

This  mad  heart's  secret,  well  I  know, 

Is  beyond  the  thoughts  of  both  high  and  low. 

E'en  by  that  sweetheart  charmed  am  I, 
Who  once  from  my  heart  made  sweetness  fly. 

Who  that  my  Silvern  Tree  hath  seen, 

Would  regard  the  cypress  that  decks  the  green  ?  f 

In  grief  be  patient, 

Night  and  day, 
Till  thy  fortune,  Hafiz, 

Thy  wish  obey. 


VI 

My  heart  no  longer  brooks  my  hand :   sages,  aid  for  God 

my  woe! 
Else,  alas!   my  secret-deep  soon  the  curious  world  must 

know. 

The  bark  we  steer  has  stranded :    O  breeze  auspicious 

swell :  .- 

We  yet  may  see  once  more  the  Friend  we  love  so  well. 

The  ten  days'  favor  of  the  Sphere — magic  is ;  a  tale  which 
lies! 

Thou  who  wouldst  befriend  thy  friends,  seize  each  mo- 
ment ere  it  flies. 

*  The    disciples    of     Shaikh    Hasan.  because,  unlike  the  others,  it  is  not  sub- 

Hafiz  had  incurred  their  displeasure  by  ject    to    the    vicissitudes    of    appointed 

the  levity  of  his  conduct.  place  and  season,   "  but  is  at  all  times 

t  In  the   "  Gulistan  "  of  Sa'di  a  phi-  fresh  and  green,  and  this  is  the  condi- 

losopher  declares  that,  of  all  the  trees,  tion  of  the  free." 
the  cypress  is  alone  to  be  called  free, 


THE  DIVAN  375 

At  night,  'mid  wine  and  flowers,  the  bulbul  tuned  his 

song: 
"  Bring  thou  the  morning  bowl :    prepare,   ye  drunken 

throng ! 

Sikander's  mirror,  once  so  famed,  is  the  wine-filled  cup: 

behold 
All  that  haps  in  Dara's  realm  glassed  within  its  wondrous 

mould.* 

O  bounteous  man,  since  Heaven  sheds  o'er  thee  blessings 

mild, 
Inquire,  one  day  at  least,  how  fares  Misfortune's  child. 

What  holds  in  peace  this  twofold  world,  let  this  twofold 

sentence  show: 
"  Amity  to  every  friend,  courtesy  to  every  foe." 

Upon  the  way  of  honor,  impeded  was  my  range; 
If  this  affect  thee,  strive  my  destiny  to  change. 

That  bitter,  which  the  Sufi  styled  "  Mother  of  all  woes 

that  be,"  f 
Seems,  with  maiden's  kisses  weighed,  better  and  more 

sweet  to  me. 

Seek  drunkenness   and  pleasure  till   times  of  strait  be 

o'er: 
This  alchemy  of  life  can  make  the  beggar  Kore.J 

Submit;   or  burn  thou  taper-like  e'en  from  jealousy  o'er- 

much: 
Adamant  no  less  than  wax,  melts  beneath  that  charmer's 

touch. 

*  In  some  MSS.  we  read:   "  The  mir-  J  Korah,  Kore,  or  Karun,  the  Dives  of 

ror  of  Sikander  is  the  goblet  of  Jem."  his  age,  was  an  alchemist.     He  lived  in 

King  Jem,  or  Jemshid,  had  a  talismanic  an  excess  of  luxury  and  show.    At  the 

cup:    Sikander,    or    Alexander,    had    in-  height  of  his  pride  and  gluttony  he  re- 

herited  from  pre-Adamite  times  a  magic  belled  against  Moses,  refusing  to  pay  a 

mirror  by  means  of  which  he  was   en-  tithe  of   his   possessions  for  the   public 

abled  to  see  into  the  camp  of  his  enemy  use.    The  earth  then  opened  and  swal- 

Dara   (Darius).    Hafiz  here   informs  us  lowed  him  up  together  with  the  palace 

that   the   knowledge   imputed  to   either  in  which   he  dwelt.     (See  Koran,  chap, 

kingwas  obtained  by  wine.  xxviii,  and,  for  the  Bible  narrative,  The, 

t  Referring  to  wine,  which  in  the  Ko-  Book  of  Numbers,   chap,  xvi.) 
ran   is   declared   to   be   the   Mother   of 
Vices. 


376  HAFIZ 

When  fair  ones  talk  in  Persian,  the  streams  of  life  out- 
well: 
This  news  to  pious  Pirs,  my  Saki,  haste  to  tell. 

Since  Hafiz,  not  by  his  own  choice, 
This  his  wine-stained  cowl  did  win, 
Shaikh,  who  hast  unsullied  robes, 
Hold  me  innocent  of  sin.* 

i  Arrayed  in  youthful  splendor,  the  orchard  smiles  again; 
News  of  the  rose  enraptures  the  bulbul  of  sweet  strain. 

Breeze,  o'er  the  meadow's  children,  when  thy  fresh  fra- 
grance blows, 
Salute  for  me  the  cypress,  the  basil,  and  the  rose. 

If  the  young  Magian  f  dally  with  grace  so  coy  and  fine, 
My  eye  shall  bend  their  fringes  to  sweep  the  house  of 
wine. 

0  thou  whose  bat  of  amber  hangs  o'er  a  moon  below,J 
Deal  not  to  me  so  giddy,  the  anguish  of  a  blow. 

1  fear  that  tribe  of  mockers  who  topers'  ways  impeach, 
Will  part  with  their  religion  the  tavern's  goal  to  reach. 

To  men  of  God  be  friendly :  in  Noah's  ark  was  earth  § 
Which   deemed  not  all  the   deluge  one   drop  of  water 
worth. 

As  earth,  two  handfuls   yielding,   shall   thy  last  couch 

supply, 
What  need  to  build  thy  palace,  aspiring  to  the  sky? 

Flee  from  the  house  of  Heaven,  and  ask  not  for  her 

bread : 
Her  goblet  black   shall   shortly  her  every   guest   strike 

dead.  ||    ' 

*  It  was  decreed  from  all  eternity  that  §  By    "  earth  "    is    to    be    understood 

Hafiz  should  drink  wine.    He  had  there-  Noah  himself. 

fore  no  free  agency  and   could  not  be  II  Fate,   Fortune,  and  the  Sky,  are   in 

justly  blamed.  Oriental  poetry  intervertible  expres- 

t  The  boy  serving  at  the  wine-house.  sions;  and  the  dome  of  Heaven  is  com- 

j  The  curl  of  hair  over  a  moon-like  pared  to  a  cup  which  is  full  of  poison 

face  is  here  compared  to  a  curved  mall-  for  the  unfortunate. 

bat  sweeping  over  a  ball. 


THE  DIVAN  377 

To  thee,  my  Moon  of  Kanaan,  the  Egyptian  throne  per- 
tains ; 

At  length  has  come  the  moment  that  thou  shouldst  quit 
thy  chains. 

I  know  not  what  dark  projects  those  pointed  locks  de- 
sign, 
That  once  again  in  tangles  their  musky  curls  combine. 

Be  gay,  drink  wine,  and  revel; 
But  not,  like  others,  care, 
O  Hafiz,  from  the  Koran 
To  weave  a  wily  snare ! 


XII 

Oh!    where   are    deeds    of   virtue   and   this    frail    spirit 

where  ? 
How  wide  the  space  that  sunders  the  bounds  of  Here 

and  There! 

Can  toping  aught  in  common  with  works  and  worship 

own? 
Where   is   regard    for   sermons,   where   is   the   rebeck's 

Tone?* 

My  heart  abhors  the  cloister,  and  the  false  cowl  its  sign: 
Where  is  the  Magian's  cloister,  and  where  is  his  pure 
wine? 

'Tis  fled:    may  memory   sweetly  mind  me  of  Union's 

days! 
Where  is  that  voice  of  anger,  where  those  coquettish 

ways? 

Can  a  foe's  heart  be  kindled  by  the  friend's  face   so 

bright? 
Where  is  a  lamp  unlighted,  and  the  clear   Day-star's 

light? 

As  dust  upon  thy  threshold  supplies  my  eyes  with  balm, 
If  I  forsake  thy  presence,  where  can  I  hope  for  calm  ? 

*  The  rebeck  is  a  sort  of  violin  having  only  three  chords. 


378  HAFIZ 

Turn  from  that  chin's  fair  apple ;  a  pit  is  on  the  way. 
To  what,  O  heart,  aspir'st  thou  ?     Whither  thus  quickly  ? 
Say! 

Seek  not,  O  friend,  in  Hafiz 
Patience,  nor  rest  from  care : 
Patience  and  rest — what  are  they  ? 
Where  is  calm  slumber,  where? 


XIV 

At  eve  a  son  of  song — his  heart  be  cheerful  long ! — 
Piped  on  his  vocal  reed  a  soul-inflaming  lay. 

So  deeply  was  I  stirred,  that  melody  once  heard, 
That  to  my  tearful  eyes  the  things  of  earth  grew  gray. 

With  me  my  Saki  was,  and  momently  did  he 

At  night  the  sun  of  Dai  *  by  lock  and  cheek  display. 

When  he  perceived  my  wish,  he  filled  with  wine  the 

bowl; 
Then  said  I  to  that  youth  whose  track  was  Fortune's 

way: 

"  Saki,  from  Being's  prison  deliverance  did  I  gain, 

"  When  now  and  now  the  cup  thou  lit'st  with  cheerful  ray. 

"  God  guard  thee  here  below  from  all  'the  haps  of  woe ;  • 
"  God  in  the  Seat  of  Bliss  reward  thee  on 'His  day !  " 

When  Hafiz  rapt  has  grown, 
How,  at  one  barleycorn, 
Should  he  appraise  the  realm, 
E'en  of  Kaus  the  Kay?f 


*  His  locks  being  black  as  night  and  t  Kai-Kaus,  one  of  the  most  celebrat- 

his  cheek  cheerful  as  the  Sun  of  Dai  or        ed  monarchs  of  Persia. 
December. 


THE  DIVAN  379 


XVI 

I  said :  "  O  Monarch  of  the  lovely,  a  stranger  seeks  thy 

grace  this  day." 
I  heard :    "  The  heart's  deceitful  guidance  inclines  the 

stranger  from  his  way." 

Exclaimed  I  then :  "  One  moment  tarry !  "     "  Nay,"  was 

the  answer,  "  let  me  go ; 
"  How  can  the  home-bred  child  be  troubled  by  stories  of  a 

stranger's  woe  ?  " 

Shall  one  who,   gently  nurtured,   slumbers   with   royal 

ermine  for  a  bed, 

"  Care  if  on  rocks  or  thorns  reposing  the  stranger  rests  his 
weary  head  ?  " 

0  thou  whose  locks  hold  fast  on  fetters  so  many  a  soul 

known  long  ago, 

How  strange  that  musky  mole  and  charming  upon  thy 
cheek  of  vermil  glow ! 

Strange  is  that  ant-like  down's  appearance  circling  the 

oval  of  thy  face ; 
Yet  musky  shade  is  not  a  stranger  within  the  Hall  which 

paintings  grace.* 

A  crimson  tint,  from  wine  reflected  gleams  in  that  face  of 

moonlight  sheen ; 
E'en  as  the  bloom  of  syrtis,  strangely,  o'er  clusters  of  the 

pale  Nasrin.f 

1  said :  "  O  thou,  whose  lock  so  night-black  is  evening  in 

the  stranger's  sight, 

"  Be  heedful  if,  at  break  of  morning,  the  stranger  sorrow 
for  his  plight." 

*  The  pictured  halls  of  China,  or,   in  the  cheek  of  his  friend  to  the  works  of 

particular,   the   palace   of   Arzhang,   the  art  executed  by   Manes,   in  which  dark 

dwelling  of  Manes.    Manes  lived  in  the  shadows,    like   velvety   down    upon   the 

third  century  of  our  era,  and  his  palace  human  face,  excite  no  surprise, 

was   famed   as  the   Chinese  picture-gal-  t  The  Nasrin  is  the  dog-rose, 
lery.    Hafiz  compares  the  bloom  upon 


380  HAFIZ 

"  Hafiz,"  the  answer  was,  "  familiars 
"  Stand  in  amaze  at  my  renown ; 
"  It  is  no  marvel  if  a  stranger 
"  In  weariness  and  grief  sit  down." 


XVII 

"Tis  morn ;  the  clouds  a  ceiling  make : 
The  morn-cup,  mates,  the  morn-cup  take ! 

Drops  of  dew  streak  the  tulip's  cheek ; 

The  wine-bowl,  friends,  the  wine-bowl  seek ! 

The  greensward  breathes  a  gale  divine  ; 
Drink,  therefore,  always  limpid  wine. 

The  Flower  her  emerald  throne  displays : 
Bring  wine  that  has  the  ruby's  blaze. 

Again  is  closed  the  vintner's  store, 
"  Open,  Thou  Opener  of  the  door !  "  * 

While  smiles  on  us  the  season's  boon, 
I  marvel  that  they  close  so  soon. 

Thy  lips  have  salt-rights,  'tis  confessed, 
O'er  wounds  upon  the  fire-burnt  breast. 

Hafiz,  let  not 
Thy  courage  fail ! 
Fortune,  thy  charmer 
Shall  unveil. 


XIX 

Lo!   from  thy  love's  enchanting  bowers  Rizvan's  bright 

gardens  fresher  grow ;  f 
From  the  fierce  heat  thine  absence  kindles,  Gehenna's 

flames  intenser  glow. 

*  In  Mohammedan  countries  it  is  cus-  t  Rizvan    is    the    gardener    and    gate- 

tomary  to  write   upon  the   doors:     "  O         keeper  of  Paradise. 
Opener  of  the  gates!    open  unto  us  the 
gates  of  blessing." 


THE  DIVAN  381 

To  thy  tall  form  and  cheek  resplendent,  as  to  a  place  of 

refuge,  fleet 
Heaven  and  the  Tuba-tree,  and  find  there — "  Happiness — 

and  a  fair  retreat."  f 

When  nightly  the  celestial  river  glides  through  the  garden 

of  the  skies, 
As  my  own  eye,  it  sees  in  slumber,  nought  but  thy  drunk 

narcissus  eyes. 

Each  section  of  the  spring-tide's  volume  makes  a  fresh 

comment  on  thy  name, 
Each  portal  of  the  Empyrean  murmurs  the  title  of  thy 

fame. 

My  heart  has  burned,  but  to  ambition,  the  aim,  still  wished 

for,  is  denied : 
These  tears  that  tinged  with  blood  are  flowing,  if  I  could 

reach  it,  would  be  dried. 

What  ample  power  thy  salt-rights  give  thee  (which  both 

thy  mouth  and  lips  can  claim), 
Over  a  breast  by  sorrow  wounded,  and  a  heart  burnt  within 

its  flame ! 

Oh !  think  not  that  the  amorous  only  are  drunk  with  rap- 
ture at  thy  sway : 

Hast  thou  not  heard  of  zealots,  also,  as  reckless  and  as 
wrecked  as  they  ? 

By  thy  lips'  reign  I  hold  it  proven  that  the  bright  ruby's 
sheen  is  won 

By  the  resplendent  light  that  flashes  out  of  a  world-illum- 
ing sun.* 

Fling  back  thy  veil !  how  long,  oh  tell  me !  shall  drapery 

thy  beauty  pale  ? 
This  drapery,  no  profit  bringing,  can  only  for  thy  shame 

avail. 

t  The  lote-tree,  known  to  Arabs  as  the  the  right  hand! — shall  dwell  among  the 

Tuba,    is   a   prickly   shrub.    The   Koran  lote-trees  without  thorns.     Under  their 

says:  "To  those  who  believe,  and  per-  feet  rivers  shall   flow  in  the  garden  of 

form  good  works,  appertain  welfare  and  Delight." 

a   fair   retreat.      The   men   of   the   right  *  According    to    Oriental    belief,    the 

hand — how  happy  shall  be  the  men  of  ruby  and  all  other  gems,   derive  'their 


382 

A  fire  within  the  rose's  bosom  was  kindled  when  she  saw 
thy  face ; 

And  soon  as  she  inhaled  thy  fragrance,  she  grew  all  rose- 
dew  from  disgrace. 

The  love  thy  countenance  awakens  whelms  Hafiz  in  mis- 
fortune's sea ; 

Death  threatens  him !  ho  there !  give  help,  ere  yet  that  he 
has  ceased  to  be ! 

While  life  is  thine,  consent  not,  Hafiz, 
That  it  should  speed  ignobly  by ; 
But  strive  thou  to  attain  the  object 
Of  thy  existence  ere  thou  die. 

XX 

I  swear — my  master's  soul  bear  witness,  faith  of  old  times, 
and  promise  leal ! — 

At  early  morning,  my  companion,  is  prayer  for  thy  un- 
ceasing weal. 

My  tears,  a  more  o'erwhelming  deluge  than  was  the  flood 

which  Noah  braved, 
Have  washed  not  from  my  bosom's  tablet  the  image  which 

thy  love  has  graved. 

Come  deal  with  me,  and  strike  thy  bargain:    I  have  a 

broken  heart  to  sell, 
Which  in  its  ailing  state  out-values  a  hundred  thousand 

which  are  well. 

Be  lenient,  if  thou  deem  me  drunken :  on  the  primeval  day 

divine 
Love,  who  possessed  my  soul  as  master,  bent  my  whole 

nature  unto  wine. 

Strive  after  truth  that  for  thy  solace  the  Sun  may  in  thy 

spirit  rise; 
For  the  false  dawn  of  earlier  morning  grows  dark  of  face 

because  it  lies.* 

brilliancy  from   the   action   of  the   sun.  *  The    zodiacal    light    or    faint     illu- 

By   a   similar  process   of   Nature,    ruby  mination   of  the   sky   which   disappears 

lips   obtain   their  vivid   color   from   the  before  the  light  of  daybreak, 
sun  above  them. 


THE  DIVAN  383 

0  heart,  thy  friend's  exceeding  bounty  should  free  thee 

from  unfounded  dread ; 

This  instant,  as  of  love  thou  vauntest,  be  ready  to  devote 
thy  head ! 

1  gained  from  thee  my  frantic  yearning  for  mountains  and 

the  barren  plain, 

Yet  loath  art  thou  to  yield  to  pity,  and  loosen  at  mid- 
height  my  chain. 

If  the  ant  casts  reproach  on  Asaf,  with  justice  does  her 

tongue  upbraid, 
For  when  his  Highness  lost  Jem's  signet,  no  effort  for  the 

quest  he  made.* 

No  constancy — yet  grieve  not,  Hafiz — 
Expect  thou  from  the  faithless  fair; 
What  right  have  we  to  blame  the  garden, 
Because  the  plant  has  withered  there  ? 


XXII 

Veiled  in  my  heart  my  fervent  love  for  him  dwells, 
And  my  true  eye  holds  forth  a  glass  to  his  spells. 

Though  the   two  worlds  ne'er  bowed   my  head  when 

elate, 
Favors  as  his  have  bent  my  neck  with  their  weight. 

Thine  be  the  lote,  but  I  Love's  stature  would  reach. 
High  like  his  zeal  ascends  the  fancy  of  each. 

Yet  who  am  I  that  sacred  temple  to  tread  ? 
Still  let  the  East  that  portal  guard  in  my  stead ! 

Spots  on  my  robe — shall  they  arouse  my  complaint  ? 
Nay !  the  world  knows  that  he  at  least  has  no  taint. 

*  Asaf,    Solomon's    "  Vizir,"    was    en-  and   rebuked    Asaf  for  having  guarded 

trusted  with  the  guardianship  of  the  im-  the    royal    treasure    so    carelessly.    By 

perial  signet  ring,  which  was  possessed  Asaf,    Hafiz    symbolizes   in   the   present 

of    magical    properties.    While    in    his  instance  his  friend   or  favorite;   by  the 

care     it    was     stolen.    When     Solomon  ant  is  implied  a  small  hair  on  the  face, 

granted    an    audience    to  _  animals,    and  and  by  the  lost  signet  of  Jem,  a  beauti- 

even    insects,    the    ant,    it    is    related,  ful  mouth,  so  small  and  delicate  as  to  be 

brought  as  an  offering  a  blade  of  grass  invisible. 


384  HAFIZ 

My  turn  has  come ;  behold !  Majnun  is  no  more ;  * 
Five  days  shall  fly,  and  each  one's  turn  shall  be  o'er. 

Love's  ample  realm,  sweet  joy,  and  all  that  is  glad, 
Save  for  his  bounty  I  should  never  have  had.f 

I  and  my  heart — though  both  should  sacrificed  be, 
Grant  my  friend's  weal,  their  loss  were  nothing  to  me. 

Ne'er  shall  his  form  within  my  pupil  be  dim, 
For  my  eye's  cell  is  but  a  chamber  for  him. 

All  the  fresh  blooms  that  on  the  greensward  we  view, 
Gain  but  from  him  their  scent  and  beauty  of  hue. 

Hafiz  seems  poor ; 

But  look  within,  for  his  breast, 

Shrining  his  love, 

With  richest  treasure  is  blest. 


XXIII 

Prone  at  my  friend's  high  gates,  my  Will  its  head  lays 

still: 
Whate'er  my  head  awaits  is  ordered  by  that  will. 

My  friend  resembles  none ;  in  vain  I  sought  to  trace, 
In  glance  of  moon  or  sun,  the  radiance  of  that  face. 

Can  morning's  breeze  make  known  what  grief  this  heart 

doth  hold, 
Which  as  a  bud  hath  grown,  compressed  by  fold  on 

fold? 

Not  I  first  drained  the  jar  where  rev'lers  pass  away :  J 
Heads  in  this  work-yard  are  nought  else  than  wine-jars' 
clay. 

Meseems  thy  comb  has  wreathed  those  locks  which  amber 

yield : 
The  gale  has  civet  breathed,  and  amber  scents  the  field. 

*  Majnun,  a  celebrated  lover,  mad-  shrine  (of  the  world).  The  second  line 

dened  by  the  charms  of  Laila.  of  the  couplet  probably  means:  Other 

t  This  ode  may  have  been  written  in  revellers  have  preceded  me,  but  their 
gratitude  for  the  patronage  of  a  man  of  heads  are  now  potter's  clay  in  the  pot- 
rank,  ter's  field  of  the  earth. 

J  Literally     in     this    toper-consuming 


THE  DIVAN  385 

Flowers  of  verdant  nooks  be  strewn  before  thy  face : 
Let  cypresses  of  brooks  bear  witness  to  thy  grace ! 

When  dumb  grow  tongues  of  men  that  on  such  love  would 

dwell, 
Why  should  a  tongue-cleft  pen  by  babbling  strive  to 

tell? 

Thy  cheek  is  in  my  heart ;  no  more  will  bliss  delay ; 
Glad  omens  e'er  impart  news  of  a  gladder  day. 

Love's  fire  has  dropped  its  spark 
In  Hafiz'  heart  before: 
The  wild-grown  tulip's  mark 
Branded  of  old  its  core.* 


XXV 

Breeze  of  the  morn,  if  hence  to  the  land  thou  fliest — Of  my 

friend, 
Return  with  a  musky  breath  from  the  lock  so  sweet 

Of  my  friend. 

Yea,  by  that  life,  I  swear  I  would  lay  down  mine  in  con- 
tent, 
If  once  I  received  through  thee  but  a  message  sent 

Of  my  friend. 

But — at  that  sacred  court,  if  approach  be  wholly  denied, 
Convey,  for  my  eyes,  the  dust  that  the  door  supplied 

Of  my  friend. 

I — but  a  beggar  mean — can  I  hope  for  Union  at  last? 
Ah !  would  that  in  sleep  I  saw  but  the  shadow  cast 

Of  my  friend. 

*  The  wild  tulip  of  Shiraz  has  white  the  flower  is  compared  to  the  brand  of 

petals  streaked  with  pink,  the  inner  end  love,  pre-ordained  on  the   Past   Day  of 

of  each  bearing  a  deep  puce  mark.    The  Eternity  to   be  imprinted  on  the  heart 

dark  spot  formed  thus  in  the  centre  of  of  Hafiz. 

VOL.  I. — 25 


386 


Ever  my  pine-cone  heart,  as  the  aspen  trembling  and 

shy, 
Has  yearned  for  the  pine-like  shape  and  the  stature  high 

Of  my  friend. 

Not  at  the  lowest  price  would  my  friend  to  purchase  me 

care  ; 
Yet  I,  a  whole  world  to  win,  would  not  sell  one  hair 

Of  my  friend. 

How  should  this  heart  gain  aught, 
Were  its  gyves  of  grief  flung  aside  ? 
I,  Hafiz,  a  bondsman,  still 
Would  the  slave  abide 

Of  my  friend. 


XXIX 

Who  of  a  Heaven  on  earth  can  tell,  pure  as  the  cell — Of 

dervishes  ? 
If  in  the  highest  state  you'd  dwell,  be  ever  slaves 

Of  dervishes. 

The  talisman  of  magic  Might  hid  in  some  ruin's  lonely 

site, 
Emerges  from  its  ancient  night  at  the  wild  glance 

Of  dervishes. 

When  the  proud  sun  has  run  his  race,  and  he  puts  off  his 

crown  apace, 
He  bows  before  the  pomp  and  place  which  are  the  boast 

Of  dervishes. 

The  palace  portal  of  the  sky,  watched  by  Rizvan's  unsleep- 
ing eye, 
All  gazers  can  at  once  descry  from  the  glad  haunts 

Of  dervishes. 

When  mortal  hearts  are  black  and  cold,  that  which  trans- 
mutes them  into  gold 
Is  the  alchemic  stone  we  hold  from  intercourse 

Of  dervishes. 


THE  DIVAN  387 

When  tyranny,  from  pole  to  pole,  sways  o'er  the  earth  with 

dire  control, 
We  see  from  first  to  last  unroll  the  victor-flag 

Of  dervishes. 

There  is  a  wealth  which  lasts  elate,  unfearful  of  decline 

from  fate  ; 
Hear  it  with  joy — this  wealth  so  great,  is  in  the  hands 

Of  dervishes. 

Khosraus,  the  kiblahs  of  our  prayer  have  weight  to  solace 

our  despair,* 
But  they  are  potent  by  their  care  for  the  high  rank 

Of  dervishes. 

O,  vaunter  of  thy  riches'  pride  !  lay  all  thy  vanity  aside, 
And  know  that  health  and  wealth  abide  but  by  the  will 

Of  dervishes. 

Korah  lost  all  his  treasured  store,  which,  cursed  of  Heaven, 

sinks  daily  more, 
(Hast  thou  not  heard  this  tale  of  yore  ?)  from  disregard 

Of  dervishes,  f 

The  smiling  face  of  joy  unknown,  yet  sought  by  tenants  of 

a  throne, 
Is  only  in  the  mirror  shown  of  the  clear  face 

Of  dervishes. 

Let  but  our  Asaf's  eye  request,  I  am  the  slave  of  his  be- 
hest, 
For  though  his  looks  his  rank  attest,  he  has  the  mind 

Of  dervishes. 

Hafiz,  if  of  the  tide  thou  think,  which  makes  immortal 

those  who  drink, 
Seek  in  the  dust  that  fountain's  brink,  at  the  cell  door 

Of  dervishes. 

*  Khosrau   (Cyrus)  is  the  title  of  sev-  t  Korah  or  Kan'm — the  miser  who  dis- 

eral  ancient  kings  of  Persia,  and  is  here  obeyed    Moses   and    was    swallowed    up 

used  in  the  plural   to  denote  monarchs  with  his  treasures  by  the  earth.     They 

in  general.    The  term  "  kiblah,"  front-  are  said  to  be  still  sinking  deeper  and 

ing-point,    signifies   the   object   towards  deeper.     (See  Numbers,  xvi.) 
which    the    worshipper    turns    when    he 
prays. 


388 


Hafiz,  while  here  on  earth,  be  wise : 
He  who  to  empire's  rule  would  rise, 
Knows  that  his  upward  pathway  lies 
Through  his  regard 

Of  dervishes. 


XXXI 

In  blossom  is  the  crimson  rose,  and  the  rapt  bulbul  trills 

his  song; 
A  summons  that  to  revel  calls  you,  O  Sufis,  wine-adoring 

throng ! 

The  fabric  of  my  contrite  fervor  appeared  upon  a  rock  to 

bide; 
Yet  see  how  by  a  crystal  goblet  it  hath  been  shattered  in  its 

pride. 

Bring  wine ;  for  to  a  lofty  spirit,  should  they  at  its  tribunal 

be, 
What  were  the  sentry,  what  the  Sultan,  the  toper,  or  the  foe 

of  glee  ? 

Forth  from  this  hostel  of  two  portals  as  finally  thou  needs 

must  go, 
What  of  the  porch  and  arch  of  Being  be  of  high  span  or 

meanly  low  ? 

To  bliss'  goal  we  gain  not  access,  if  sorrow  has  been  tasted 

not; 
Yea,  with  Alastu's  pact  was  coupled  the  sentence  of  our 

baleful  lot. 

At  Being  and  Non-being  fret  not;  but  either  with  calm 

temper  see : 
Non-being  is  the  term  appointed  for  the  most  lovely  things 

that  be. 


THE   DIVAN  389 

Asaf's  display,  the  airy  courser,  the  language  which  the 

birds  employed, 
The  wind  has  swept;  and  their  possessor  no  profit  from 

his  wealth  enjoyed.* 

Oh !  fly  not  from  thy  pathway  upward,  for  the  winged  shaft 

that  quits  the  bow 
A  moment  to  the  air  has  taken,  to  settle  in  the  dust 

below. 

What  words  of  gratitude,  O  Hafiz 
Shall  thy  reed's  tongue  express  anon, 
As  its  choice  gems  of  composition 
From  hands  to  other  hands  pass  on? 


XXXV 

Now  on  the  rose's  palm  the  cup  with  limpid  wine  is  brim- 
ming, 

And  with  a  hundred  thousand  tongues  the  bird  her  praise 
is  hymning. 

Ask  for  a  song-book,  seek  the  wild,  no  time  is  this  for 

knowledge ; 
The  Comment  of  the  Comments  spurn,  and  learning  of  the 

college.f 

Be  it  thy  rule  to  shun  mankind,  and  let  the  Phoenix 
monish, 

For  the  reports  of  hermit  fame,  from  Kaf  to  Kaf  as- 
tonish. J 

When  yesterday  our  rector  reeled,  this  sentence  he  pro- 
pounded : 

"  Wine  is  a  scandal ;  but  far  worse  what  men's  bequests 
have  founded." 

*  How;  vain  were  the  glories  of  Solo-  is  a   celebrated   explanatory  treatise  on 

mpn!     Asaf  was  his  minister,   the  East  the  Koran. 

wind  his  courser,  and  the  language  of  J  Kaf  is  a  fabulous  mountain  en- 
birds  one  of  his  accomplishments;  but  circling  the  world.  In  this  couplet  and 
the  blast  of  time  had  swept  them  away.  the  following  the  poet  ridicules  the  as- 

t  The  "  Comment  of  the  Comments  "  cetics  of  his  time. 


39o  HAFIZ 

Turbid  or  clear,  though  not  thy  choice,  drink  thankfully ; 

well  knowing 
That  all  which  from  our  Saki  flows  to  his  free  grace  is 

owing. 

Each  dullard  who  would  share  my  fame,  each  rival  self- 
deceiver, 

Reminds  me  that  at  times  the  mat  seems  golden  to  its 
weaver. 

Cease,  Hafiz !  store  as  ruddy  gold 
The  wit  that's  in  thy  ditty: 
The  stampers  of  false  coin,  behold ! 
Are  bankers  for  the  city.* 


XLII 

'Tis  a  deep  charm  which  wakes  the  lover's  flame, 
Not  ruby  lip,  nor  verdant  down  its  name. 

Beauty  is  not  the  eye,  lock,  cheek,  and  mole ; 
A  thousand  subtle  points  the  heart  control. 


XLIII 

Zealot,  censure  not  the  toper,  guileless  though  thou  keep 

thy  soul : 
Certain  'tis  that  sins  of  others  none  shall  write  upon  thy 

scroll. 

Be  my  deeds  or  good  or  evil,  look  thou  to  thyself  alone ; 
All  men,  when  their  work  is  ended,  reap  the  harvest  they 
have  sown. 

Never  of  Eternal  Mercy  preach  that  I  must  yet  despair ; 
Canst  thou  pierce  the  veil,  and  tell  me  who  is  ugly,  who  is 
fair? 

*  The  false  coiners  are  inferior  poets    who    endeavor   to    pass    off    their    own 
productions  as  the  work  of  Hafiz. 


THE  DIVAN  391 

Every  one  the  Friend  solicits,  be  he  sober,   quaff  he 

wine; 
Every  place  has  love  its  tenant,  be  it  or  the  mosque,  or 

shrine. 

From  the  still  retreat  of  virtue  not  the  first  am  I  to 

roam, 
For  my  father  also  quitted  his  eternal  Eden  home. 

See  this  head,  devout  submission :  bricks  at  many  a  vint- 
ner's door : 

If  my  foe  these  words  misconstrue — "  Bricks  and  head !  " 
— Say  nothing  more. 

Fair  though  Paradise's  garden,  deign  to  my  advice  to 

yield : 
Here  enjoy  the  shading  willow,  and  the  border  of  the 

field. 

Lean  not  on  thy  store  of  merits ;  know'st  thou  'gainst  thy 

name  for  aye 
What  the  Plastic  Pen  indited,  on  the  Unbeginning  Day  ? 

Hafiz,  if  thou  grasp  thy  beaker 
When  the  hour  of  death  is  nigh, 
From  the  street  where  stands  the  tavern 
Straight  they'll  bear  thee  to  the  sky. 


XLV 

O  breeze  of  morn !  where  is  the  place  which  guards  my 

friend  from  strife  ? 
Where  is  the  abode  of  that  sly  Moon  who  lovers  robs  of 

life? 

The  night  is  dark,  the  Happy  Vale  in  front  of  me  I 

trace.* 
Where  is  the  fire  of  Sinai,  where  is  the  meeting  place  ? 

*  Aiman  (Happiness)  is  the  valley  in   which    God   appeared   to    Moses— meta- 
phorically, the  abode  of  the  Beloved. 


392 


HAFIZ 

Here  jointly  are  the  wine-filled  cup,  the  rose,  the  minstrel ; 

yet 
While  we  lack  love,  no  bliss  is  here :  where  can  my  Loved 

be  met  ? 

Of  the  Shaikh's  cell  my  heart  has  tired,  and  of  the  convent 

bare: 
Where  is  my  friend,  the  Christian's  child,  the  vintner's 

mansion,  where  ? 

Hafiz,  if  o'er  the  glade  of  earth 
The  autumn-blast  is  borne, 
Grieve  not,  but  musing  ask  thyself: 
"  Where  has  the  rose  no  thorn  ?  " 


LIX 

My  Prince,  so  gracefully  thou  steppest,  that  where  thy 

footsteps  fall — I'd  die. 
My  Turk,  so  gracefully  thou  glidest,  before  thy  stature 

tall 

I'd  die. 

"  When  wilt  thou  die  before  me  ?  " — saidst  thou.     Why 

thus  so  eagerly  inquire  ? 
These  words  of  thy  desire  delight  me;    forestalling  thy 

desire 

I'd  die. 

I  am  a  lover,  drunk,  forsaken:  Saki,  that  idol,  where  is 

he? 
Come  hither  with  thy  stately  bearing !  let  me  thy  fair  form 

see, 

I'd  die. 

Should  he,  apart  from  whom  I've  suffered  a  life-long  ill- 
ness, day  by  day, 

Bestow  on  me  a  glance,  one  only,  beneath  that  orb  dark- 
gray 

I'd  die. 


THE   DIVAN 


393 


"  The  ruby  of  my  lips,"  thou  saidst, "  now  bale,  now  balsam 

may  exhale  " : 
At  one  time  from  their  healing  balsam,  at  one  time  from 

their  bale 

I'd  die. 

How  trim  thy  gait!    May  eye  of  evil  upon  thy  face  be 

never  bent ! 
There  dwells  within  my  head  this  fancy ;  that  at  thy  feet 

content 

I'd  die. 

Though  no  place  has  been  found  for  Hafiz 
In  Love's  retreat,  where  hid  thou  art, 
For  me  thine  every  part  has  beauty, 
Before  thine  every  part — 

I'd  die. 


LXIII 

My  heart  has  of  the  world  grown  weary  and  all  that  it  can 

lend: 
The  shrine  of  my  affection  holds  no  Being  but  my  friend. 

If  e'er  for  me  thy  love's  sweet  garden  a  fragrant  breath 

exhale, 
My  heart,  expansive  in  its  joy,  shall  bud-like  burst  its 

veil. 

Should  I  upon  love's  path  advise  thee,  when  now  a  fool  I've 

grown, 
'Twould  be  the  story  of  the  fool,  the  pitcher,  and  the 

stone. 

Go !  say  to  the  secluded  zealot :  "  Withhold  thy  blame ;  for 

know, 
I  find  the  arch  of  the  Mihrab  but  in  an  eyebrow's  bow." 

*  "  Mihrab  " — the  niche  in  a  mosque,   towards  which  Mohammedans  pray. 


394  HAFIZ 

Between  the  Ka'bah  and  the  wine-house,  no  difference  I 

see: 
Whate'er  the  spot  my  glance  surveys,  there  equally  is 

He. 

'Tis  not  for  beard,  hair,  eyebrow  only,  Kalandarism  should 

care: 
The   Kalandar  computes  the   Path  by   adding  hair   to 

hair.* 

The  Kalandar  (who  gives  a  hair's  head, 
An  easy  path  doth  tread : 
The  Kalandar  of  genuine  stamp, 
As  Hafiz  gives  his  head. 


LXIX 

My  heart  desires  the  face  so  fair — Of  Farrukh ;  f 
It  is  perturbed  as  is  the  hair 

Of  Farrukh. 

No  creature  but  that  lock,  that  Hindu  swart, 
Enjoyment  from  the  cheek  has  sought 

Of  Farrukh. 

A  blackamoor  by  Fortune  blest  is  he, 
Placed  at  the  side,  and  near  the  knee 

Of  Farrukh. 

Shy  as  the  aspen  is  the  cypress  seen, 
Awed  by  the  captivating  mien 

Of  Farrukh. 

Saki,  bring  syrtis-tinted  wine  to  tell 
Of  those  narcissi,  potent  spell 

Of  Farrukh. 

*  Kalandars  are  an  order  of  Moham-  dar  shapes  his  path  by  a  scrupulous  esti- 

medan  dervishes  who  wander  about  and  mate  of  duty. 

beg.    The  worthless  sectaries  of  Kalan-  t  "  Farrukh  "    (auspicious)    is    doubt- 

darism,  Hafiz  says,  shave  off  beard  and  less  the  name  of  some  favorite  of  the 

tonsure,  but  the  true  or  spiritual  Kalan-  poet. 


THE   DIVAN 


395 


Bent  as  the  archer's  bow  my  frame  is  now, 
From  woes  continuous  as  the  brow 

Of  Farrukh. 

E'en  Tartar  gales  which  musky  odors  whirl, 
Faint  at  the  amber-breathing  curl 

Of  Farrukh. 

If  leans  the  human  heart  to  any  place, 
Mine  has  a  yearning  to  the  grace 

Of  Farrukh. 

That  lofty  soul 
Shall  have  my  service  true, 
That  serves,  as  Hafiz, 
The  Hindu  *— 

Of  Farrukh. 


LXXI 

When  now  the  rose  upon  the  meadow  from  Nothing  into 

Being  springs, 
When  at  her  feet  the  humble  violet  with  her  head  low  in 

worship  clings, 

Take  from  thy  morn-filled  cup  refreshment  while  tabors 

and  the  harp  inspire, 
Nor  fail  to  kiss  the  chin  of  Saki  while  the  flute  warbles  and 

the  lyre. 

Sit  thou  with  wine,  with  harp,  with  charmer,  until  the  rose's 

v  bloom  be  past  ; 

For  as  the  days  of  life  which  passes,  is  the  brief  week  that 
she  shall  last. 

The  face  of  earth,  from  herbal  mansions,  is  lustrous  as  the 
sky ;  and  shines 

With  asterisms  of  happy  promise,  with  stars  that  are  pro- 
pitious signs. 

*  "  Hindu  "  is  here  equivalent  to  "  slave." 


396  HAFIZ 

In  gardens  let  Zor'aster's  worship  again  with  all  its  rites 

revive, 
While  now  within  the  tulip's  blossoms  the  fires  of  Nim- 

rod  *  are  alive. 

Drink  wine,  presented   by  some  beauty  of   Christ-like 

breath,  of  cheek  fair-hued ; 
And  banish  from  thy  mind  traditions  to  Ad  relating,  and 

Thamud.f 

Earth  rivals  the  Immortal  Garden  during  the  rose  and 

lily's  reign ; 
But  what  avails  when  the  immortal  is  sought  for  on  this 

earth  in  vain  ? 

When  riding  on  the  windy  courser,  as  Solomon,  the  rose 

is  found, 
And  when  the  Bird,  at  hour  of  morning,  makes  David's 

melodies  resound, 

Ask  thou,  in  Solomon's  dominion,  a  goblet  to  the  brim 

renewed ; 
Pledge  the  Vizir,  the  cycle's  Asaf,  the  column  of  the  Faith, 

Mahmud. 

O  Hafiz,  while  his  days  continue,  let  joy  eternal  be  thine 

aim; 
And  may  the  shadow  of  his  kindness  eternally  abide  the 

same! 

Bring  wine ;  for  Hafiz,  if  in  trouble, 
Will  ceaselessly  the  help  implore 
Of  him  who  bounty  shall  aid  ever, 
As  it  have  aid  vouchsafed  before. 


*  Zerdusht    (in    Latin,    Zoroaster)— the  t  Ad   and   Thamud   were   Arab   tribes 

celebrated   prophet   of   the   Gulbres,  -or  exterminated  by  God  in  consequence  of 

fire-worshippers.     Nimrod     is     said     to  their    having     disobeyed     the     prophet 

have    practised    a    religion    similar    to  Salih. 
theirs. 


THE  DIVAN  397 


LXXVII 

Upon  the  path  of  Love,  O  heart,  deceit  and  risk  are 

great! 
And  fall  upon  the  way  shall  he  who  at  swift  rate 

Shall  go. 

Inflated  by  the  wind  of  pride,  the  bubble's  head  may 

shine ; 
But  soon  its  cap  of  rule  shall  fall,  and  merged  in  wine 

Shall  go. 

O  heart,  when  thou  hast  aged  grown,  show  airs  of  grace 

no  more : 
Remember  that  such  ways  as  these  when  youth  is  o'er 

Shall  go. 

Has  the  black  book  of  black  locks  closed,  the  album  yet 

shall  stay, 
Though  many  a  score  the  extracts  be  which  day  by 

day 

Shall  go. 


LXXXV 

To  me  love's  echo  is  the  sweetest  sound 
Of  all  that  'neath  this  circling  Round 

Hath  stayed. 


LXXXVI 

A  beggar  am  I ;  yet  enamoured  of  one  of  cypress  mould : 
One  in  whose  belt  the  hand  bides  only  with  silver  and  with 
gold. 

Bring  wine !  let  first  the  hand  of  Hafiz 
The  cheery  cup  embrace ! 
Yet  only  on  one  condition — 
No  word  beyond  this  place! 


398  H^FIZ 

LXXXVII 

When  beamed  Thy  beauty  on  creation's  morn, 
The  world  was  set  on  fire  by  love  new-born. 

Thy  cheek  shone  bright,  yet  angels'  hearts  were  cold : 
Then  flashed  it  fire,  and  turned  to  Adam's  mould. 

The  lamp  of  Reason  from  this  flame  had  burned, 
But  lightning  jealousy  the  world  o'erturned. 

The  enemy  Thy  secret  sought  to  gain ; 
A  hand  unseen  repelled  the  beast  profane. 

The  die  of  Fate  may  render  others  glad : 
My  own  heart  saddens,  for  its  lot  is  sad. 

Thy  chin's  deep  pit  allures  the  lofty  mind : 

The  hand  would  grasp  thy  locks  in  twines  entwined. 

Hafiz  his  love-scroll 
To  Thyself  addressed, 
When  he  had  cancelled 
What  his  heart  loved  best. 

LXXXVIII 

The  preacher  of  the  town  will  find  my  language  hard, 

maybe : 
While  bent  upon  deceit  and  fraud,  no  Mussulman  is  he. 

Learn  drinking  and  do  gracious  deeds;   the  merit  is  not 

great 
If  a  mere  brute  shall  taste  not  wine,  and  teach  not  man's 

estate. 

Efficient   is  the  Name   Divine ;    be  of   good   cheer,   O 

heart ! 
The  div  becomes  not  Solomon  by  guile  and  cunning's 

art. 

The  benisons  of  Heaven  are  won  by  purity  alone : 
Else  would  not  pearl  and  coral  spring  from  every  clod  and 
stone? 


THE  DIVAN  399 


CI 

Angels  I  saw  at  night  knock  at  the  wine-house  gate : 
They  shaped  the  clay  of  Adam,  flung  into  moulds  its 
weight. 

Spirits  of  the  Unseen  World  of  Purities  divine, 
With  me  an  earth-bound  mortal,  poured  forth  their  'wil- 
dering  wine. 

Heaven,  from  its  heavy  trust  aspiring  to  be  free, 
The  duty  was  allotted,  mad  as  I  am,  to  me. 

Thank  God  my  friend  and  I  once  more  sweet  peace  have 

gained ! 
For   this   the    houris   dancing   thanksgiving   cups    have 

drained. 

With    Fancy's   hundred   wisps   what   wonder   that    I've 

strayed, 
When  Adam  in  his  prudence  was  by  a  grain  bewrayed  ?  * 

Excuse  the  wrangling  sects,  which  number  seventy-two : 
They  knock  at  Fable's  portal,  for  Truth   eludes  their 
view. 

No  fire  is  that  whose  flame  the  taper  laughs  to  scorn : 
True  fire  consumes  to  ashes  the  moth's  upgarnered  corn. 

Blood   fills   recluses'   hearts   where   Love   its    dot   doth 

place, 
Fine  as  the  mole  that  glistens  upon  a  charmer's  face. 

As  Hafiz,  none  Thought's  face 
Hath  yet  unveiled ;  not  e'en 
Since  for  the  brides  of  Language 
Combed  have  their  tresses  been. 


*  By  a  "  grain  "  is  meant  a  grain  of  wheat ;  according  to  Mohammedans,  the 
forbidden  fruit  of  Paradise. 


400  HAFIZ 

CXV 

Lost  Joseph  shall  return  to  Kanaan's  land — Despair  not ; 
Affliction's  cell  of  gloom  with  flowers  shall  bloom : 

Despair  not. 

Sad  heart,  thy  state  shall  mend ;  repel  despondency ; 
Thy  head  confused  with  pain  shall  sense  regain : 

Despair  not. 

When  life's  fresh  spring  returns  upon  the  da'is  mead, 
O  night-bird  !  o'er  thy  head  the  rose  shall  spread : 

Despair  not. 

Hope  on,  though  things  unseen  may  baffle  thy  research  ; 
Mysterious  sports  we  hail  beyond  the  veil : 

Despair  not. 

Has  the  revolving  Sphere  two  days  opposed  thy  wish, 
Know  that  the  circling  Round  is  changeful  found : 

Despair  not. 

If  on  the  Ka'bah  bent,  thou  brave  the  desert  sand, 
Though  from  the  acacias  thorn  thy  foot  be  torn, 

Despair  not. 

Heart,  should  the  flood  of  death  life's  fabric  sweep  away, 
Noah  shall  steer  the  ark  o'er  billows  dark : 

Despair  not. 

Though  perilous  the  stage,  though  out  of  sight  the  goal, 
Whither  soe'er  we  wend,  there  is  an  end  :• 

Despair  not. 

If  Love  evades  our  grasp,  and  rivals  press  our  suit, 
God,  Lord  of  every  change,  surveys  the  range : 

Despair  not. 

Hafiz,  in  thy  poor  nook — 
Alone,  the  dark  night  through — 
Prayer  and  the  Koran's  page 
Shall  grief  assuage — 

Despair  not. 
******* 


THE  DIVAN  401 


CXXIX 

\  Endurance,  intellect,  and  peace  have  from  ray  bosom 

flown, 
I  Lured  by  an   idol's   silver   ear-lobes,  and   its   heart   of 

stone. 

An  image  brisk,  of  piercing  looks,  with  peris'  beauty 

blest, 
Of  slender  shape,  of  lunar  face,  in  Turk-like  tunic  drest ! 

With  a  fierce  glow  within  me  lit — in  amorous  frenzy 

lost— 
A  culinary  pot  am  I,  in  ebullition  tost. 

My  nature  as  a  shirt's  would  be,  at  all  times  free  from 

smart, 
If  like  yon  tunic  garb  I  pressed  the  wearer  to  my  heart. 

At  harshness  I  have  ceased  to  grieve,  for  none  to  light 

can  bring 
A  rose  that  is  apart  from  thorns,  or  honey  void  of  sting. 

The  framework  of  this  mortal  form  may  rot  within  the 

mould, 
But  in  my  soul  a  love  exists  which  never  shall  grow 

cold. 

My  heart  and  faith,  my  heart  and  faith — of  old  they  were 

unharmed, 
Till  by  yon  shoulders  and  yon  breast,  yon  breast  and 

shoulders  charmed. 

Hafiz,  a  medicine  for  thy  woe, 
A  medicine  must  thou  sip, 
No  other  than  that  lip  so  sweet, 
That  lip  so  sweet,  that  lip. 

******* 
VOL.  I.— 26 


402  HAFIZ 


CXXXIV 

Although  upon  his  moon-like  cheek  delight  and  beauty 

glow, 
Nor  constancy  nor  love  is  there:    O  Lord!    these  gifts 

bestow. 

A  child  makes  war  against  my  heart ;  and  he  in  sport  one 

day 
Will  put  me  to  a  cruel  death,  and  law  shall  not  gainsay. 

What  seems  for  my  own  good  is  this :  my  heart  from  him 

to  guard ; 
For  one  who  knows  not  good  from  ill  its  guardianship 

were  hard. 

Agile  and  sweet  of  fourteen  years  that  idol  whom   I 

praise : 
His  ear-rings  in  her  soul  retains  the  moon  of  fourteen 

days. 

A  breath  as  the  sweet  smell  of  milk  comes  from  those 

sugary  lips ; 
But  from  those  black  and  roguish  eyes  behold  what  blood 

there  drips ! 

My  heart  to  find  that  new-born  rose  has  gone  upon  its 

way; 
But  where  can  it  be  found,  O  Lord?     I've  lost  it  many  a 

day. 

If  the  young  friend  who  owns  my  heart  my  centre  thus  can 

break, 
The  Pasha  will  command  him  soon  the  lifeguard's  rank  to 

take. 

I'd  sacrifice  my  life  in  thanks, 

If  once  that  pearl  of  sheen 
Would  make  the  shell  of  Hafiz'  eye 

Its  place  of  rest  serene. 


THE  DIVAN  403 


cxxxv 

I  tried  my  fortune  in  this  city  lorn : 

From  out  its  whirlpool  must  my  pack  be  borne. 

I  gnaw  my  hand,  and,  heaving  sighs  of  ire, 
I  light  in  my  rent  frame  the  rose's  fire. 

Sweet  sang  the  bulbul  at  the  close  of  day, 
The  rose  attentive  on  her  leafy  spray : 

"  O  heart !  be  joyful,  for  thy  ruthless  Love 
Sits  down  ill-temper'd  at  the  sphere  above. 

"  To  make  the  false,  harsh  world  thyself  pass  o'er, 
Ne'er  promise  falsely  and  be  harsh  no  more. 

"  If  beat  misfortune's  waves  upon  heaven's  roof, 
Devout  men's  fate  and  gear  bide  ocean-proof. 

"  Hafiz,  if  lasting 

Were  enjoyment's  day, 
Jem's  throne  would  never 

Have  been  swept  away." 


CXLV 

Breeze  of  the  North,  thy  news  allays  my  fears : 
The  hour  of  meeting  with  my  Loved  one  nears. 

Prospered  by  Heaven,  O  carrier  pigeon,  fly : 
Hail  to  thee,  hail  to  thee,  come  nigh,  come  nigh ! 

How  fares  our  Salma?    What  Zu  Salam's  state? 
Our  neighbors  there — are  they  unscathed  by  Fate  ? 

The  once  gay  banquet-hall  is  now  devoid 
Of  circling  goblets,  and  of  friends  who  joyed. 

Perished  the  mansion  with  its  lot  serene : 
Interrogate  the  mounds  where  once  'twas  seen. 
VOL.  I.— 26 


404  HAFIZ 

The  night  of  absence  has  now  cast  its  shade : 

What  freaks  by  Fancy's  night-gang  will  be  played  ? 

He  who  has  loved  relates  an  endless  tale : 
Here  the  most  eloquent  of  tongues  must  fail. 

My  Turk's  kind  glances  no  one  can  obtain : 
Alas,  this  pride,  this  coldness,  this  disdain ! 

In  perfect  beauty  did  thy  wish  draw  nigh  : 
God  guard  thee  from  Kamal's  malefic  eye !  * 

Hafiz,  long  will  last 

Patience,  love,  and  pain? 
Lovers'  wail  is  sweet : 

Do  thou  still  complain. 


CXLVI 

O  thou  who  hast  ravished  my  heart  by  thine  exquisite 

grace  and  thy  shape, 
Thou  carest  for  no  one,  and  yet  not  a  soul  from  thyself 

can  escape. 

At  times  I  draw  sighs  from  my  heart,  and  at  times,  O  my 

life,  thy  sharp  dart : 
Can  aught  I  may  say  represent  all  the  ills  I  endure  from 

my  heart  ? 

How  durst  I  to  rivals  commend  thy  sweet  lips  by  the  ruby's 

tent  gemmed, 
When  words  that  are  vivid  in  hue  by  a  soul  unrefined  are 

contemned  ? 

As  strength  to  thy  beauty  accrues  ev'ry  day  from  the  day 
sped  before, 

To  features  consummate  as  thine,  will  we  liken  the  night- 
star  no  more. 

*  Kamal   was  an  Arab  whose   glance   inflicted  death. 


THE  DIVAN  405 

My  heart  hast  thou  reft :  take  my  soul !     For  thine  envoy 

of  grief  what  pretence  ? 

One  perfect  in  grief  as  myself  with  collector  as  he  may 
dispense. 

O  Hafiz,  in  Love's  holy  bane, 
As  thy  foot  has  at  last  made  its  way, 

Lay  hold  of  his  skirt  with  thy  hand, 
And  with  all  sever  ties  from  to-day. 


CXLIX 

Both  worlds,  the  Transient  and  Eterne,  for  Saki  and  the 

Loved  I'd  yield : 
To  me  appears  Love's  satellite  the  universe's  ample  field. 

Should  a  new  favorite  win  my  place,  my  ruler  shall  be 

still  supreme : 
It  were  a  sin  should  I  my  life  more  precious  than  my  friend 

esteem. 


CLV 

Last  night  my  tears,  a  torrent  stream,  stopped  Sleep  by 

force : 
I  painted,  musing  on  thy  down,  upon  the  water-course. 

Then,  viewing  my  Beloved  one's  brow — my  cowl  burnt 

up— 
In  honor  of  the  sacred  Arch  I  drained  my  flowing  cup. 

From  my  dear  friend's  resplendent  brow  pure  light  was 

shed; 
And  on  that  moon  there  fell  from  far  the  kisses  that  I 

sped. 

The  face  of  Saki  charmed  my  eye,  the  harp  my  ear : 
At  once  for  both  mine  ear  and  eye  what  omens  glad  were 
here! 


406  HAFIZ 

I  painted  thine  ideal  face  till  morning's  light, 

Upon  the  studio  of  my  eye,  deprived  of  sleep  at  night. 

My  Saki  took  at  this  sweet  strain  the  wine-bowl  up : 
I  sang  to  him  these  verses  first ;  then  drank  to  sparkling 
cup. 

If  any  of  my  bird-like  thoughts  from  joy's  branch  flew, 
Back  from  the  springes  of  thy  lock  their  fleeting  wings  I 
drew. 

The  time  of  Hafiz  passed  in  joy : 
To  friends  I  brought 
For  fortune  and  the  days  of  life 
The  omens  that  they  sought. 


CLVII 

Come,  Sufi,  let  us  from  our  limbs  the  dress  that's  worn  for 

cheat  Draw: 

Let  us  a  blotting  line  right  through  this  emblem  of  deceit 

Draw. 

The  convent's  revenues  and  alms  we'd  sacrifice  for  wine 

awhile, 
And  through  the  vintry's  fragrant  flood  this  dervish-robe 

of  guile 

Draw. 

Intoxicated,  forth  we'll  dash,  and  from  our  feasting  foe's 

rich  stores 
Bear  off  his  wine,  and  then  by  force  his  charmer  out  of 

doors 

Draw. 

Fate  may  conceal  her  mystery,  shut  up  within  her  hiding 

pale, 
But  we  who  act  as  drunken  men  will  from  its  face  the 

veil 

Draw. 


THE   DIVAN  407 

Here  let  us  shine  by  noble  deeds,  lest  we  at  last  ashamed 

appear, 
When  starting  for  the  other  world,  we  hence  our  spirit's 

gear 

Draw. 

To-morrow  at  Rizvan's  green  glade,  should  they  refuse  to 

make  it  ours, 
We  from  their  halls  will  the  ghilman,  the  huris  from  their 

bowers 

Draw. 

Where  can  we  see  her  winking  brow,  that  we,  as  the  new 

moon  of  old, 
At  once  may  the  celestial  ball,  as  with  a  bat  of  gold, 

Draw? 

O  Hafiz !  it  becomes  us  not 

Our  boastful  claims  thus  forth  to  put : 

Beyond  the  limits  of  our  rug 

Why  would  we  fain  our  foot 

Draw? 
******* 


CLIX 

Aloud  I  say  it,  and  with  heart  of  glee : 

"  Love's  slave  am  I,  and  from  both  worlds  am  free." 

Can  I,  the  bird  of  sacred  gardens,  tell 
Into  this  net  of  chance  how  first  I  fell  ? 

My  place  the  Highest  Heaven,  an  angel  born, 
I  came  by  Adam  to  this  cloister  lorn. 

Sweet  huris,  Tuba's  shade,  and  Fountain's  brink 
Fade  from  my  mind  when  of  thy  street  I  think. 

Knows  no  astrologer  my  star  of  birth : 

Lord,  'neath  what  plant  bore  me  Mother  Earth  ? 

Since  with  ringed  ear  I've  served  Love's  house  of  wine, 
Grief's  gratulations  have  each  hour  been  mine. 


408  HAFIZ 

My  eyeball's  man  drains  my  heart's  blood ;  'tis  just ; 
In  man's  own  darling  did  I  place  my  trust. 

My  Loved  one's  Alif-form  *  stamps  all  my  thought : 
Save  that,  what  letter  has  my  master  taught  ? 

Let  Hafiz'  tear-drops 

By  thy  lock  be  dried, 
For  fear  I  perish 

In  their  rushing  tide. 


CLXVI 

Knowest  thou  what  fortune  is? 

Tis  Beauty's  sight  obtaining; 
Tis  asking  in  her  lane  for  alms, 

And  royal  pomp  disdaining. 

Sev'rance  from  the  wish  for  life  an  easy  task  is  ever ; 
\Eut  lose  we  friends  who  sweeten  life,  the  tie  is  hard  to 
sever. 

Bud-like  with  a  serried  heart  I'll  to  the  orchard  wander ; 
The  garment  of  my  good  repute  I'll  tear  to  pieces  yonder ; 

Now,  as  doth  the  West-wind,  tell  deep  secrets  to  the 

Flower, 
Hear  now  of  Love's  mysterious  sport  from  bulbuls  of  the 

bower. 

Kiss  thy  Beloved  one's  lips  at  first  while  the  occasion 

lingers : 
Await   thou   else   disgust   at   last   from   biting   lip   and 

fingers. 

Profit   by   companionship:    this    two-doored    house   for- 
saken, 
No  pathway  that  can  thither  lead  in  future  time  is  taken. 

*"  Alif-form,"  meaning  a  straight  and    erect  form:    the   letter   Alif   being,    as 
it  were,  of  upright  stature. 


THE  DIVAN  409 

Hafiz  from  the  thought,  it  seems, 

Of  Shah  Mansur  has  fleeted ; 
O  Lord !  remind  him  that  the  poor 

With  favor  should  be  treated. 


CLXXIII 

With  my  heart's  blood  I  wrote  to  one  most  dear : 
"  The  earth  seems  doom-struck  if  thou  are  not  near. 

"  My  eyes  a  hundred  signs  of  absence  show : 
These  tears  are  not  their  only  signs  of  woe." 

I  gained  no  boon  from  her  for  labor  spent : 
"  Who  tries  the  tried  will  in  the  end  repent." 

I  asked  how  fared  she ;  the  physician  spake : 
"  Afar  from  her  is  health ;  but  near  her  ache." 

The  East-wind  from  my  Moon  removed  her  veil : 
At  morn  shone  forth  the  Sun  from  vapors  pale. 

I  said :  "  They'll  mock,  if  I  go  round  thy  lane." 
By  God !  no  love  escapes  the  mocker's  bane. 

Grant  Hafiz'  prayer: 

"  One  cup,  by  life  so  sweet !  " 

He  seeks  a  goblet 

With  thy  grace  replete! 


CLXXX 

O  thou  who  art  unlearned  still,  the  quest  of  love  essay : 
Canst  thou  who  hast  not  trod  the  path  guide  others  on  the 
way? 

While  in  the  school  of  Truth  thou  stay'st,  from  Master 

Love  to  learn, 
Endeavor,  though  a  son  to-day,  the  father's  grade  to  earn. 


4IO 

Slumber  and  food  have  held  thee  far  from  Love's  exalted 

good: 
Wouldst  thou  attain  the  goal  of  love,  abstain  from  sleep 

and  food. 

If  with  the  rays  of  love  of  truth  thy  heart  and  soul  be 

clear, 
By  God !   thy  beauty  shall  outshine  the  sun  which  lights 

the  sphere. 

Wash  from  the  dross  of  life  thy  hands,  as  the  Path's  men 

of  old, 
And  winning  Love's  alchemic  power,  transmute  thyself  to 

gold. 

On  all  thy  frame,  from  head  to  foot,  the  light  of  God  shall 

shine, 
If  on  the  Lord  of  Glory's  path  nor  head  nor  foot  be 

thine. 

An  instant  plunge  into  God's  sea,  nor  e'er  the  truth 

forget 
That  the  Seven  Seas'  o'erwhelming  tide,  no  hair  of  thine 

shall  wet. 

If  once  thy  glancing  eye  repose  on  the  Creator's  face, 
Thenceforth  among  the  men  who  glance  shall  doubtless  be 
thy  place.* 

When  that  which  thy  existence  frames  all  upside-down 

shall  be, 
Imagine  not  that  up  and  down  shall  be  the  lot  of  thee. 

Hafiz,  if  ever  in  thy  head 

Dwell  Union's  wish  serene, 
Thou  must  become  the  threshold's  dust 

Of  men  whose  sight  is  keen. 

*  "  The  men  who  glance  "  are  lovers.     The  spiritual  or  true  lover  is  he  who 
loves  God. 


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